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Donna Zalewski Obituary
SALAMANCA - Donna Marie Zalewski, 90, of Salamanca, passed away Sunday (Jan. 21, 2024) at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, following a brief illness.
Born Nov. 10, 1933, in Salamanca, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Ella Rojek Prusinowski. She was married Jan. 15, 1955, in the former Holy Cross Church, to Mr. Richard E. Zalewski, who predeceased her Aug. 3, 2008.
She was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1951.
Donna had been employed by the former 4-H Club, the Pennysaver and Board of Public Utilities.
She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish. She enjoyed baking, crafting, spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter, and taking care of her beloved cats.
Surviving are two daughters, Sharon (David) Mendell of Salamanca and Carol (Mike) Swetland of Hinsdale; a son, Kenny (Julie) Zalewski of Little Valley; three grandchildren, Kristie (Andy) Pascarella, Ryan (Katie) Mendell and Kyle (Sabrina Gilman) Mendell; six great-grandchildren, Jaida, Cameron, Carson, Aliya, Kenzie and Kaia; a sister, Jane Calvert of Olean; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by an infant son, Kevin Zalewski; a brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Celia) Prusinowski; a sister and brother-in-law, Margie (Andy) Shurilla; and a brother, Paul Prusinowski.
There will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 25, 2024) in Our Lady of Peace Parish, 274 Broad St., Salamanca, with Rev. Dennis Mancuso as celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the charities she cared about the most, EARS, P.O. Box 445, Salamanca, NY; or St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca.
E-condolences can be sent to [email protected] or posted to facebook.com/onofh.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donna Zalewski
Sponsored by O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc Funeral Home.
3 Entries
Becky Ferry
January 26, 2024
To a wonderful Aunt who loved all of us. I remember her babysitting us as children. Always full of joy and happiness. Love to all her children and grand babies. Love , Becky Ferry
Judy Calvert Ballou
January 24, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Donna will always be remembered, and will be in my heart forever. Jane loved her so much! Remembering standing on Gramma and Grandpa's furnace to warm up. So much fun and laughter, that's what Aunt Donna brought to my life.
Marcy Rose
January 23, 2024
Thinking of all of you and memories of Donna, my godmother. She was a frequent visitor from my infancy through childhood. My cousins were close friends until we all moved away. You will be in my heart and prayers as you lie a wonderful woman to rest. God bless her.
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