DonnaMarie Flanagan Kaminsky

DonnaMarie (Flanagan) Kaminsky 

Born November 9, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, DonnaMarie (Flanagan) Kaminsky has lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, and a deep desire to serve others.

She was the daughter of Elizabeth (Herrick) Flanagan (deceased) and James Flanagan (deceased). DonnaMarie grew up in a multicultural family, where English, Polish, Slovak, and Ukrainian were spoken by her grandmother. This instilled in her an early appreciation for connection and learning.

Her life took on new fullness when she met David Kaminsky. Their friendship and love grew into a beautiful marriage that lasted 60 years, built on shared values of service and faith. Together, they raised six children: James (Melissa), Donnamarie (Curt), Stephen (deceased), Christine, Michael (Michele), and Joy (George). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to eight grandchildren: Nicholas, Christopher, Alexandra, Julian, Jacob, Grayson, Matthew, and Owen.

A lifelong student, DonnaMarie believed that knowledge and faith were pathways to peace. She earned her master’s degree in theology with a specialization in Franciscan Studies from St. Bonaventure University. With certifications in Spiritual Direction, coupled with her formal studies, she devoted much of her life to helping others discover their own spiritual grounding. She was deeply passionate about sharing her faith whether that be while visiting with someone or presenting faith-based workshops guiding others in their spiritual development.

DonnaMarie was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, serving in leadership and developing programs to help others grow in becoming spiritual assistants. Over the course of 40 years, she grew as a Spiritual Director with the mentorship and friendship of Father Bob Wild, of the Madonna House Apostolate, who she spoke with often.

DonnaMarie built a meaningful life of work rooted in service to others. Early in her career, she was a middle school teacher, where her patience and love of learning shaped the lives of her students. During many of the 35 years David was employed by Tremco, DonnaMarie worked alongside him, providing administrative support and serving as a true partner in both work and life. Together, they also served their community by teaching natural family planning and volunteering at St. Bernard’s to support those in need. One of the highlights of DonnaMarie’s career was her work with the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center as a grief counselor and coordinator, where she helped veterans find healing and purpose through compassion, listening, and faith. She later taught classes in prisons, offering encouragement and hope to those seeking redemption.

Throughout their life together, DonnaMarie and David created a home filled with openness and laughter. Their home was more than a place to live; it was a gathering space where community and faith came alive. They welcomed international students from St. Bonaventure University into their home, forming lasting friendships that became an extension of their family. In 1986, one of those relationships took them to Togo, West Africa, where they had the privilege of witnessing Brother Benoît Amoussou’s final vows. That journey, like so many moments in their life together, reflected DonnaMarie’s belief that the world is best understood through connection and service. At home, she carried that same spirit into family life, encouraging curiosity and faith in ways that deeply shaped those she loved.

Faith was central to who she was, but so too was her joy. She found meaning in conversation, good food, laughter, and learning. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren and took quiet pride in seeing the values she and David instilled continue through them.

The Kaminsky family offers their heartfelt thanks to all who surrounded DonnaMarie with love and support. Your visits, phone calls, cards, prayers, and many acts of kindness brought comfort and peace to her. DonnaMarie’s life was richly blessed, and your care helped carry her, and all who loved her, through this time with grace.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 12pm at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 West Market St, Fairlawn OH 44333, where the family will receive friends one hour prior.

To honor DonnaMarie’s memory, donations may be made to Madonna House Apostolate. (Madonna House Apostolate Online Link)