Donna Benedict O’Brien, (79), native of Niagara Falls, NY, born December 18, 1941 passed away on January 10, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, John Michael O’Brien of Niagara Falls; parents, George and Margaret Benedict; siblings, William, George Jr., Eileen, Dorothy, Robert, Beverly and David. Donna grew up in Niagara Falls, NY where she attended Madonna High School and worked for Niagara Mohawk power company.
After marrying the love of her life, John, she settled in Pittsford, NY where they raised their family. Donna had a special gift with children and cherished her time as an active Room Mom, volunteer and teacher’s assistant at Park Road Elementary School. She enjoyed running around with the ‘gang’ from the Rochester Bassmasters, Moose Lodge and Elk’s Club in Henrietta, NY. She was an outstanding fisher-woman and multi-year winner of the Old Guide’s Tournament in Sharbot Lake, Ontario.
Answering the siren’s song of snow-free living, she and John retired to the Villages, Florida in 2003. They loved every minute of it. Donna was a proud member of the American Legion Ladies Auxillary, Post 347. Her desserts on “Sweet Night“ fundraisers were legendary.
Those who knew Donna appreciated her warmth, her quick wit and genuine concern for others. She made fast friends and kept them close to her heart. She was absolutely devoted to her children, who were her proudest accomplishments.
She is survived by her sons; Timothy (Janice) and Patrick (Kimberly), her four grandchildren; Jack, Charlie, Logan and Molly who each brought so much joy; nieces Christie (Art) Mustico, Mary Ann (Steven) Hageman, Kelly Hall, Carrie (John) Williams and nephews Brian (Kathleen) Benedict, Kevin Ritter, Robert Chervinsky, Richard Chervinsky and James Chervinsky.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Ashland, VA on Friday, January 29th at 1:00 pm. If you plan to attend the Funeral Mass, you will need to pre-register by Clicking Here.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
