Your cart is currently empty!
Lamendola, Donna
Donna Esper Lamendola tragically passed away after a courageous battle with ALS on Wednesday, October 18th. Donna was a devoted wife, a caring mother, and cherished friend, leaving behind a legacy of love and selflessness that will forever remain in our hearts.
Donna was born June 18, 1957, and grew up in New Hartford, NY as the youngest of three sisters. She possessed a warm and nurturing spirit, always ready with a smile that could light up the room. Donna started her professional career with the American Lung Association, transitioned into Child Protective Services for Wayne County, which eventually led her to Early Intervention at Monroe County Health Department. Her kindness knew no bounds, and her generosity touched the lives of everyone she met. This unwavering love and boundless compassion were the foundation upon which our family was built.
As a loving wife, she stood by her husband’s side, Anthony Lamendola, weathering life’s storms together and celebrating its joys. Their marriage of 40+ years was a testament to enduring love, loyalty, and unwavering support. You could always find Donna by her husband’s side assisting with the many home projects they tackled throughout her life. She was also instrumental in caring for him during many of his health battles throughout the years and often joked she should have been a nurse. In their retirement years you would find Donna and Anthony relishing the Florida sunshine during the winter months enjoying a round of golf or grabbing a drink at their favorite watering hole Ft. Myers Brewing Company.
As a mother, Donna was the epitome of selflessness. She poured her heart and soul into raising her children, teaching them the values of love, compassion, and resilience. Her wisdom and guidance were a guiding light, shaping the lives of her children and instilling in them the importance of family, respect, and kindness. You would always find Donna at her daughter, Maria Lamendola, softball games cheering her on. The two of them were inseparable and would always spend hours talking on the phone, going for walks, shopping, baking their favorite sweets, or going on their next adventure. Donna supported her son, Mark Lamendola, during his childhood by traveling to every ice rink throughout Western New York. They enjoyed a special bond and loved wine tours along the Finger Lakes, breaking down why the NY Giants played so poorly, watching playoff hockey, golfing, and sharing advice about how to grow in his career.
In addition to supporting her family, Donna loved to stay active. During her high school years, she was a member of the bowling and swim team, just like her mother. Later in her life, she took up golf and enjoyed playing at least twice a week with the ladies at Victor Hills Golf Course. She would never admit it, but she was the best putter in the family. She also picked up the love of Pickle Ball during the time she spent in Florida. You would also find her organizing get-togethers with past co-workers and old friends to stay in touch. Up until her last few days with us she continued to stay active with yoga, water aerobics, and physical therapy. Everyone that interacted with Donna called her hard working, kind, and appreciative.
She is survived by her loving husband, Anthony, daughter Maria, son Mark, older siblings Debra (Deb) Peterman, Pamela (Pam) Jaskot, two yellow labs Wiley and Gus, and cousins, extended family, and countless friends.
Heartfelt thanks to the ALS Association, Upstate Medical, Perinton Ambulance, Bushnell’s Basin Fire Department, St. John of Rochester Church, and Strong Hospital ICU team along with all her close friends who supported her during her fight against ALS. Our family will be forever grateful for all that you did for Donna.
Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, October 26th from 4-6pm at Richard H Keenan Funeral Home: 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY 14450.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 27th at 1pm at St. John of Rochester: 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY 14450. *Streaming is also available on stjohnfairport.org/streaming.
Comments
7 responses to “Lamendola, Donna”
Anthony, Mark, and Maria,
We are so sorry that your family is suffering this loss. Sandy and I have been good friends and golfing partners with Mark over the last 10 years, and during that time it was so apparent how close your family is and how much love is shared. Whether it was an afternoon 9 holes, or a weekend family dinner, your mom was at the center of it all. You have been blessed to spend so many good times together. Sandy and I hope that you will find strength in these memories, and know that you are surrounded by so many caring friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan and Sandy Smith
Tony, Our hearts are saddened to learn of Donna’s passing. Although we have had little contact with each other in recent years, we still remember her laugh and sunny smile. Remembering the fun and happy memories of your wedding and births of Mark and Maria and some difficult times during your health issues when Donna was a comforting nurse to you. You and family are in our thoughts. Paul and Pat Goodness
Tony, Mark, & Maria:
Our deepest condolences to you & your extended family. Donna touched our lives in many ways as well as the lives of others. She was so giving of her time and appreciated her family so much. She was dedicated to every endeavor she pursued. We admire her public service to the many families and children she encountered. Among numerous other things, she educated us as parents on a child’s developmental milestones and the importance of early intervention for any delays. Also, she always shared great advice as a sports parent! The show of support at the Walk to Defeat ALS was wonderful. She was surrounded by loving family and friends. At the walk, it was evident that she remained close friends with many throughout the phases of her career and retirement. We know she appreciated all you did to organize her team and all those who attended and donated.
Tony, Maria and Mark,
Darlene and I were sadden to hear of Donna’s passing. Colonial Country Club lost a big heart with her passing.
We arrived in Fort Myers Florida nearly the same time Donna & Tony did. Darlene and I became friends with them immediately and always enjoyed their company right from the start. Donna was a joy to be with and her smile was very contagious. We will remember all the good times we had and the enjoyable meals we shared together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of great sorrow.
Alan & Darlene Campbell
Tony and Family,
We are in shock- can’t believe that Donna has left us.
We so enjoyed the times we shared in Ft Myers! We were looking forward to many more.
She certainly put up a good fight when she was confronted with this horrible disease – a good example for all of us when faced with illness.
I will always be grateful to you both for your kindness to me.
Bob and I send our love, thoughts and prayers to you all.
Ann Citrano
Tony and family, I am so sorry to hear this devastating news about Donna’s passing. I remember when she first moved up here. She babysat Kelly when I got called in to sub. She was always a gracious, classy lady. May your many precious memories keep your hearts full . Carole Tobin Pinkley
To Donna’s family, I am so shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Donna’s illness and passing. She and I grew up together (though she was closer to Carole Harbin and Susan Ferenczy who both lived next door). We rode bikes downtown, hung out during the summers, hiked to Tibbitts Pond and played tennis against the wall. I have many happy memories of her. Her quiet intelligence and thoughtfulness were there, even at a young age. Her Mother and Father were an interesting couple who always welcomed me into their modest home with the office in the basement. I was glad to read she led an interesting life and had a family who loved her. I will always treasure the time I spent with her in New Hartford in the late sixties and early seventies when she and I were “just neighborhood girls”. My deepest condolences to her sisters and her husband and children. Laurie Darman