Donna M. Pierini

Donna M. (Thibodeau) Pierini, 60, of Newington, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2026. To know Donna was to know steady love, fierce devotion to family, and a spirit that found joy in both the quiet moments and the loud ones.
Born in New Britain on February 2, 1965, Donna was the daughter of Thelma (Pelletier) Thibodeau and the late Maurice Thibodeau. A graduate of New Britain High School, Class of 1983, she worked as a Licensed Optician before choosing to focus on what mattered most, raising her family.
Donna was a mother in the truest sense of the word. She was present, supportive, and endlessly proud of her children. She rarely missed an activity or event and was especially devoted to supporting her son Kevin in the Special Olympics, where her encouragement and pride never wavered.
Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a member of the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield. Donna also had a lifelong love of rock and roll, especially the band Godsmack, and she went to concerts and live music whenever she could. Music was one of the ways she felt most alive, and those moments will always be part of how she is remembered.
Becoming a grandmother was one of Donna's greatest joys. Her granddaughter Harlow held a very special place in her heart, and Donna's love for her was immediate, joyful, and unwavering.
Donna is survived by her husband James "Jim" Pierini; her children Kevin Meger, Melissa Meger and her fiancé Justin Nazario, and Joseph Pierini; her beloved granddaughter Harlow; her mother Thelma Thibodeau; her brothers Dave and Glen Thibodeau; her sister Karen Baum; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Donna's legacy is one of love, loyalty, and presence. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were lucky enough to share life with her. If you knew Donna, you'd know she'd want us to laugh, hug a little tighter, and turn the music up on the way home.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Donna's family on Saturday, January 10th from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at the Duksa Family Funeral Home at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington. Her funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 2:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington. Memorial donations in Donna's name may be made to the charity or organization of the donor's choice.