Donna Panto

In Loving Memory of Donna Panto (D'Amato)
Donna Panto (D'Amato), 65, of Ellington, CT, passed away peacefully with her children by her side on September 23, 2024. Born on September 3, 1959 in Springfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Eleanor D'Amato. Donna was raised in Enfield, CT and was a graduate of Enrico Fermi High School.
She then received her nursing certification from St. Francis School of Nursing in Hartford, CT. Donna worked as a nurse at the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT, for the majority of her nursing career. She was a patient and compassionate psychiatric nurse who dedicated herself to helping those with mental health challenges.
In 1992, Donna became a mother. A lifelong dream of hers, she dedicated her life to her children. Her most wonderful memories throughout motherhood include making Halloween costumes, baking cakes for parties, volunteering her time to create costumes for the high school drama club, attending dance recitals, basketball
and field hockey games, and proudly supporting the Somers Fire Department. Donna often hosted parties for family and friends at her home in Somers, CT. She ensured her home was a place of comfort. Donna loved entertaining for her family during Christmas, wrapping and giving gifts to those she loved, and dancing and
singing to her favorite songs. Donna was happiest in her kitchen, cooking and baking for her family and friends.
She was a talented cook and often showed her love through recipes. She cherished making memories with her family around the dining room table. Donna enjoyed long beach days during the summertime, listening to live music, and creating favors for parties and events. She loved planting flowers, decorating, and spending
time outside. Her happiest moments always included being with those she loved the most.
Donna is survived by her two children, Joshua Panto, his wife Kelsie, and their son Miles of Somers, CT, and Emma Mahoney and her husband Connor of North Andover, MA. Besides her children, Donna is survived by her two sisters, Debbie Montoya and her husband John of New Milton, WV, and Dee Thibodeau and her husband Robert of Somers, CT, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition, she is survived by her lifelong friend, Michele Liquori, of Somers, CT.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd, Enfield, CT. A memorial service will be held at Somers Congregational Church on Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 11:00 am in Somers, CT. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be made to: Somers Fire Department Association, 400 Main Street, Somers, CT, 06071. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.leetestevens.com