Donna M. Jordan

1954 - 2016

Donna M. Jordan 1954 - 2016
NEW HARTFORD - Donna M. Jordan, 62, of New Hartford, died on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at Buffalo General Medical Center, with her family by her side.
She was born on February 17, 1954, in South Plainfield, NJ, a daughter of Carmelo and Kathleen Vitale Cracchiolo. Donna graduated from Proctor High School, MVCC and received her Bachelor's of Science from SUNY IT. While working at Masonic Care, Donna met the love of her life, Brian Jordan. Brian and Donna were married on July 30, 1976, in St. Anthony's Church in Utica. He later died in 2001. Donna was very proud to be a registered nurse and began her working career as a nurse at Masonic Care Community and then worked for St. Elizabeth Medical Center, and Visiting Nurses. Donna continued her career as a school nurse for the Utica Schools and, most recently, as the Head Nurse for New Hartford Central Schools. While at New Hartford, she fostered many special relationships with the students at Myles Elementary. Their bonds remained long after graduation. Donna was very proud to be awarded the Healthcare Professional of The Year from NYSUT in 2003. She also worked as a realtor for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.
Donna's life revolved around her family. She was the anchor of her family, as she was always there to help them. She had a very independent spirit, and was a very strong person. Donna and her daughter, Kat, had a close and loving relationship. They cherished the time they spent together above all else. Donna had a special relationship with her son-in-law, who was a son to her. She also shared an extraordinary bond with her three grandchildren. They had a very special place in Donna's heart. She was their doting Nonna, as they adored each other, and they brought her great joy.
Donna enjoyed the St. Lawrence River and, while at the River, took advantage of the quiet setting to read a good book. She also loved "her" Giants and Yankees, always a devoted fan! One of her very proud moments was completing the Boilermaker. Donna enjoyed taking pictures and was the paparazzi of her family, always capturing the family having fun. Family was always the center of Donna's life, including her dogs, which were a part of the family. She most recently traveled to California, to visit with her cousins, a trip she cherished.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Arthurs, and her husband, Robert, of New Hartford; grandchildren, Mia Donna, Brian and Jordan Arthurs; parents, Carmelo and Kathleen Cracchiolo, of Utica; sister, Barbara Bombace, and her husband, Jack, of St. James, Long Island; brother, Larry Cracchiolo, and his wife, Star, of Utica; sister, Lenora Murad, and her husband, Anthony, of New Hartford; sister, Robin Kennedy, and her husband, Mike, of New Hartford; numerous nieces and nephews; special friend and honorary "sista", Joanne Crowe. She is also survived by her cousins in California; the Vitale family; and many special friends, too numerous to mention.
The family would like to offer a special thank you to the ICU at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially Nurse Sam, Buffalo General Medical Staff and Dr. James Corasanti.
The funeral will be on Tuesday, at 10:00, at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee St., Utica, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Monday, from 4:00 to 7:00, at the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation, in memory of Donna.
For an online expression of sympathy go to www.dfwefh.com.