1957 -2020

Fairport, NY: Tuesday, December 8th of natural causes. She is predeceased by her father Frank, survived by mother Diane, sister Debra (Eric Huppert), brother Tom (Amy), beloved nephews Tom Jr. and Colton, many relatives and valued friends. She will be deeply missed,

Donna was an extremely bright woman and a deeply professional person who took great pride in her responsibilities and accomplished great things. She worked with alumni and donors at her alma mater, St. John Fisher College, as well as St. Lawrence University, Elmira College and most recently with the University of Rochester.

She was honored in 2017 with the Quarter Century Award by CASE, The Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Donna had a great sense of humor and was passionate and committed to her work but more importantly to her family and her friends. She was always there to help wherever she could.

There will be no services. A celebration of her life may be held at a future date.

Memorial donations may be directed to:

The Donna Salmon Memorial Scholarship at Saint John Fisher College

go.sjfc.edu/give

OR

The UR Dean’s Fund for Newman www.urnewman.org/giving/ur

Donna would want each of us to ‘take care of ourselves”.


Comments

88 responses to “Salmon, Donna M.”

  1. Pam Chapman Avatar
    Pam Chapman

    Donna was a great person. I loved whenever I caught up with her and have a conversation about life. She was there to listen. We always had fun at the Fisher golf tournament and when we met at events. I wish this year had been different so we could celebrate her life as it should be celebrated.

  2. Tracy Everhart Zeh Avatar
    Tracy Everhart Zeh

    I will miss her. I always loved running in to her around town. So kind and friendly. I have the advantage of knowing that she was always like that. The picture of Donna and Debbie in front of the porch is extra special to me – it brings back all the good memories of Miles Ave. I am honored to have known her and my very heartfelt condolences to Debbie, Mrs. Salmon and Tom and the rest of the family. She was a genuinely decent person. Love you all.

    1. Lorraine Hems Avatar
      Lorraine Hems

      It certainly was a street filled with great memories, Tracy. Donna brought a lot of laughter wherever she went and I will have her laugh in my head forever ?

  3. Kris Maier Avatar
    Kris Maier

    Our prayers are with the Salmon family.

  4. Mike Ruff Avatar
    Mike Ruff

    I am shocked and saddened. Donna and Debbie were a big force at FHS ‘75. RIP. She is probably raising funds in Heaven

  5. Diane Louden Avatar
    Diane Louden

    One of our original Miles Ave crew.. the universe opened her arms and welcomed her.. fly high, Donna…

  6. Julie Schwartz Avatar
    Julie Schwartz

    I am so shocked and saddened to read of Donna’s passing! She was a kind and caring soul! I loved running in to her and catching up! Such fond memories from elementary school all the way through! I remember her telling me that I was one of the only ones that always knew the difference between she and Debbie. May she rest in the arms of the Angels!

  7. David Kassnoff Avatar
    David Kassnoff

    When I first switched from corporate to university communications, Donna spent a long time coaching me and giving me guidance. She was a loyal, smart, and funny friend. We will miss her dearly.

  8. Jeremy Schnurr Avatar
    Jeremy Schnurr

    It is very strange to imagine a world without Donna. She was a great friend and I will miss her.

  9. Lisa Balbierer Noble Avatar
    Lisa Balbierer Noble

    This is such heartbreaking news I’m so sorry Mrs. Salmon, Debbie and Tommy. Your Donna’s smile and laugh will always be with me. From kindergarten through adulthood Donna always would bring a smile to my face. May you all find peace knowing so many cared and loved her and how she made a difference in all our lives.
    Rest In Peace Donna

  10. Mary Anne Laurer Avatar
    Mary Anne Laurer

    Deb, I could not believe my eyes when I opened this page. I am so sorry for you. The two of you were a team … for fun and serious stuff. I will hold YOU in my prayers for Donna is more than OK.

  11. Frank Grimaudo Avatar
    Frank Grimaudo

    Oh no… I’m so sorry to see that Donna has left us way too soon. Deb you have my condolences, I guess you’ll feel Donna pop in to your consciousness every so often. Only the good die young, right? We have another angel in heaven.

  12. Jeanne Nagle Avatar
    Jeanne Nagle

    Donna was always ready with an easy smile, a story and a kind word. We’re all so much poorer for her loss. Condolences and peace to her family, as well as her extended family of friends.

  13. Sue Mangefrida Beck Avatar
    Sue Mangefrida Beck

    Donna will always be a part of my fondest memories of Wickham’s Wallbangers, our volleyball team at FHS. Her quick wit and dry sense of humor kept us all in stitches. She was a wonderful friend and will be missed.

  14. Karen Dodd Pillsbury Avatar
    Karen Dodd Pillsbury

    May you Rest In Peace

  15. Kim Darling Avatar
    Kim Darling

    This news is just !! RIP my fellow Wickham’s Wallbanger. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel! Get that Volleyball court ready
    up there!!

  16. Kim Darling Avatar
    Kim Darling

    This news is just heartbreaking!! RIP my fellow Wickham’s Wallbanger. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel! Get that Volleyball court ready
    up there!!

  17. Susan DaRin Avatar
    Susan DaRin

    I am so truly sorry for your loss! She was such a wonderful person and schoolmate! Cherish all of those memories and hold them close to your heart! My heart aches!?

  18. Kathy Evans Ironside Avatar
    Kathy Evans Ironside

    My thoughts and prayers are with her family

  19. Barbara Snider Connelly Avatar
    Barbara Snider Connelly

    My prayers are with Donna’s family. Such a sweet person, fond memories from school.

  20. chris Prue Avatar
    chris Prue

    This is very sad news. May you rest in peace my friend. Always a positive attitude and brings a joy to those around her.

  21. Lori Consadine Avatar
    Lori Consadine

    So very sad to hear this! So many great memories of Donna (and Debbie) at FHS and St. John Fisher College. Always had a smile on her face, and would always make time to say Hi and chat for a few! Sending Love and Prayers to the Salmon Family. RIP Donna ❤️??

  22. Linda Rosenzweig Avatar
    Linda Rosenzweig

    I was so saddened to hear the news. Donna was wonderful, and I loved catching up with her whenever she was in the DC area. My heart goes out to the entire family. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be truly missed.

  23. Cathy Gee Lahr Avatar
    Cathy Gee Lahr

    My heartfelt condolences to Debbie and the Salmon family. Donna always had a smile on her face when you saw her. She was a very sweet person with a very positive attitude. May you be at rest peacefully.

  24. Andrea Maccarone Avatar
    Andrea Maccarone

    I am so sorry for your loss! Beautiful person we have lost to a heavenly angel. Donna was always a fan of Fisher Dining and SJFC and we will miss seeing her by your side Deb.

  25. Angela Uttaro Avatar
    Angela Uttaro

    Debbie, family and friends- I am so sorry for your loss. I always will remember Donna with a big smile and positive comment.

  26. Colleene Abair Avatar
    Colleene Abair

    Donna — save a place for me at Scoop’s Happy Hour table, wouldja? Bless the Salmon family at this time., Donna will be missed..

  27. Marsha Dunn Gardner Avatar
    Marsha Dunn Gardner

    Our hearts go out to you Deb , your mom and Tom. I just read this and am shocked. What a great gal who will be greatly missed!! Hold on tight on your wonderful memories ,as she will always be in your heart!!

  28. Mike Fitzgerald Avatar
    Mike Fitzgerald

    Peace be with you on the occasion of Donna’s passing from this life.

  29. Bill Tiberio Avatar
    Bill Tiberio

    I am so sorry to hear this. I always had the opportunity to catch up with her, and usually have her pick on me, at UR events. She was such a special person with a wonderful sense of humor. Sending love to all of the Salmons, our long time neighbors and friends.

  30. Jack Herrmann Avatar
    Jack Herrmann

    I was so saddened to see this news. My deepest sympathies to the Salmon family. Donna was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed.

  31. Sharon Rivais Avatar
    Sharon Rivais

    What a loss to our community. My prayers to Deb and the Salmon family

  32. David Pritchard Avatar
    David Pritchard

    Donna. Always loved her smile and genuine interest in helping others in so many ways. Thanks to her for impacting so many lives, and setting an example for others to follow. My prayers are with Deb and the family as well. Peace.

  33. LESLIE WHITE Avatar
    LESLIE WHITE

    I will miss Donna’s great sense of humor and long memory, which helped me on many occasions. This is sad for us, but there’s bound to be roaring laughter in heaven as she pokes fun at the other angels, or, more likely, us down here. Sending hugs to her family.

  34. Marcia Berg Avatar
    Marcia Berg

    Dear Debbie, I am so sorry that your dear sister has departed this life so soon. I remember you both so well from our college days at Fisher. Almost never saw one of you without the other. I’ll be praying for Donna and you and the rest of your family.

  35. Carol Marturano-Becker Avatar
    Carol Marturano-Becker

    So saddened to hear this news. Donna and her sister Debbie were active members of the “dorm community” at Fisher when I was there. My prayers got out to all of the Salmon family. May you find some comfort in the memories you share.

  36. Kenneth Mangan Avatar
    Kenneth Mangan

    Dear Debra and all the members of the Salmon Family. My deepest sympathy. I am deeply saddened. Words are inadequate to give you comfort but they are all I have. Donna was respected and loved by so many. She always lit up the room. Rest in peace Donna.

  37. Nancy Wise Avatar
    Nancy Wise

    I am so sorry about this. Donna and I worked together on alumni relations years ago and she was so great. I loved her dry sense of humor. The world is a little less brighter. My condolences to all the family.

  38. Dick Dinino '68 Avatar
    Dick Dinino ’68

    I am deeply sorry to hear of the loss of such a bright light. Her contributions to St. John Fisher College were numerous and she was such a positive influence on so many alumni.
    She was always an upbeat person and a strong supporter of many different causes. She will be sorely missed.

  39. Murray Rudin Avatar
    Murray Rudin

    Donna was a wonderful person, always kind and giving, upbeat and supportive. My sincere condolences to her family. I remember her as a friend both when I was a baby on Miles Avenue and quite a few decades later when she and I were connected through University of Rochester philanthropy. Because she made such a positive impact in all her endeavors, her passing is a tragedy for so many, May she rest in peace.

  40. Bethany Graham Avatar
    Bethany Graham

    I remember Donna from when I worked at Fisher in the 70’s. She was always smiling and a lot of fun to be around. Always great to party with too. I am so sorry to hear that she has died. She always brought a smile to my face. My condolences to her family.

  41. Jim Stanton Avatar
    Jim Stanton

    Shocking news and a real friend to the college and all of us who knew Donna, both as students and alumni. She certainly left the world a better place every day. My condolences to Debra and all the Salmon family.

  42. Lorraine & Steve Constantino Avatar
    Lorraine & Steve Constantino

    My husband Steve (’91) and I (’93) both worked with Donna in the Alumni Office as part of our work study program. She was an amazingly smart, funny, friendly and beautiful soul! I’m sorry to hear that she’s left this earth too soon. Prayers up to Donna’s family XO

  43. Eric Brandt Avatar
    Eric Brandt

    I worked with Donna at the Univ. of Rochester for over 16 years. She became so much more than a colleague. A true friend, who would go above and beyond at all times. The world has lost an amazing person. My condolences to the entire family. Such a tragedy.

  44. Mondy Santiago Avatar
    Mondy Santiago

    Those of us who went to Fisher were lucky to meet and make friends with some great people. Donna and her sister Debbie (the Trout Twins)were certainly in that category. Donna was a true bright light to anyone she came in contact with. You always felt better after running in to her.
    Condolences to Debbie and the Salmon family. She will be missed.

  45. John Peck Avatar
    John Peck

    My deepest sympathy to the Salmon family for their loss. So many fond memories of Donna while growing up on Miles Ave.

  46. Mary & John Piehler Avatar
    Mary & John Piehler

    Mrs. Salmon, Deb, Eric, Tom and Any,
    Our deepest sympathy on Donna’s passing.
    We shared a 45 year friendship from our Fisher days through meeting up for dinner if we were both traveling for business in the same city. c
    Donna was a kind, honest, true friend that we could always count on. We will miss her and her casual stop in’s when she was in the neighborhood. She always laughed that I settled in her hometown of Fairport and we laughed again when she moved to Elmira, my hometown.
    Rest in peace my friend, you are forever in our hearts!

  47. Laurie Zuller Avatar
    Laurie Zuller

    My thoughts are with Debbie and the rest of the Salmon family. Donna always brightened up any room or golf course with her presence. God Bless

  48. Michele Ryan Avatar
    Michele Ryan

    To Deb and the Salmon family I offer my deepest sympathies to all of you. Donna and Debbie were good friends to me during our SJFC days. It is beautiful that Our Lord called Donna home on the Blessed Mother’s special feast day. I am sure Our Lady escorted her into the arms of her Son. I am grateful I saw Donna and Debbie at the 40th year reunion; you never know when this time may be the last time you see someone dear to you.

  49. Mike Sully Sullivan Avatar
    Mike Sully Sullivan

    God Bless You Donna! Condolences to Debbie and the Salmon Family.

  50. Mary Peeso Avatar
    Mary Peeso

    To Donna’s loved ones…may her memories bring joy and ease the pain of her passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  51. Patrick Reynolds Avatar
    Patrick Reynolds

    I want my condolences to go to the family, I know her sister well and met Donna but a few times .I have lost siblings and know how we carry on, but they are always in our hearts our whole life. My heart and prayers go out to both ladies .The loss of a twin is especially difficult it is like no other loss. Hugs to you both?

  52. Donna Mura Avatar
    Donna Mura

    Sending my condolences to Donna’s family. I’ve worked with Donna over the past 15 years. She was a very compassionate person who loved what she did. She always had a story to tell. She’d often stop by my desk to check in, say hello and we’d chat about her nephews, I’m going to miss those little talks. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

  53. Mark S. Zaid'89 Avatar
    Mark S. Zaid’89

    I have known Donna for many years. She was my primary POC for UR. I lovingly called her my “stalker”. I’ll miss being stalked very much. This was a devastating and unexpected loss for us all. My condolences to her family and friends.

  54. Barb (Damaske) Phillips Avatar
    Barb (Damaske) Phillips

    So sorry to hear of her passing. She and Deb were such wonderful friends while we were at Fisher. Much love to her family

  55. Norm Kieffer Avatar
    Norm Kieffer

    Donna was a true Cardinal. I always enjoyed seeing her at Fisher events over the years, and most recently, at run-ins at the ROC Airport. She was always good for at least one Bob Ward or PK story. My deepest condolences to the entire Salmon Family.

  56. Cindy McVey Avatar
    Cindy McVey

    I’m shocked and saddened to see the world lost Donna, way too soon. She was a wonderful, caring and truly fun mentor when I was an intern at SJFC and I will always appreciate having known her. My deepest condolences to the Salmon family. She was a treasure.

  57. Pat Grover Avatar
    Pat Grover

    Debbie and to the Salmon family – my prayers and sincere sympathy in the loss of Donna.

  58. Betty Umoff Avatar
    Betty Umoff

    My very sincere condolences to the Salmon family. I knew Donna at the U of R. Always a kind word, a funny story or just a sincere “how are you doing?”. Everyone loved and respected her, and I was shocked to learn of her unexpected passing.

  59. Kelly & Brian Chezum Avatar
    Kelly & Brian Chezum

    To the family and friends of Donna Salmon, we have lost a good soul in our lives who was dedicated to others beyond compare. She was among the best conversationalists on so many topics and a wonderful mentor to so many. She left us too soon and will be missed.

  60. Dr. Cissy Petty Avatar
    Dr. Cissy Petty

    Godspeed, Donna? You always were a bright light to me.

  61. Cheryl Howard Avatar
    Cheryl Howard

    I loved working with Donna as a UofR alumni. She cared deeply about the institution and all its constituencies. She will be greatly missed.

  62. Michael Maskalans Avatar
    Michael Maskalans

    My sincere condolences to Donna’s dear friends and family. I worked with her for several years at UofR, and she was always a bright spot around Advancement. Such a dear and sincere person.
    All the best to all of you.

  63. Josh Farrelman Avatar
    Josh Farrelman

    I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about Donna’s death. Donna and I were frequent commuters between D.C. and Rochester on behalf of the University. I can’t tell you how many flights and conversations we have shared over the years. It was always a pleasure to see her in the airport and catch up about work and life. I enjoyed our many conversations and her great sense of humor. She was a wonderful colleague. I will miss her and the University will miss her for her many contributions. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to her family.

  64. Bob Osieski Avatar
    Bob Osieski

    I am shocked and saddened to learn of Donna’s passing. She was truly a lovely and wonderful person. I have know her and Deb for years through my affiliation with the UR. Enjoyed seeing her every Meliora Weekend and always enjoyed our time together. My sincerest condolences to her family.

  65. Mike Kearney Avatar
    Mike Kearney

    Incredibly sad news. I came to know Donna in high school. She was warm, kind, and caring. She always made you feel that she was glad to see you. My condolences to Debbie and the entire Salmon family. May she rest in peace.

  66. Debbie Terwilliger Avatar
    Debbie Terwilliger

    I was very sorry to receive word of Donna’s passing. I knew her in high school and never saw her without a smile on her face, and she was always a positive presence. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

  67. Debbie Jerome Alderson Avatar
    Debbie Jerome Alderson

    I’m deeply sorry for your loss, Debbie and family. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.

  68. Patrick Madama Avatar
    Patrick Madama

    During advancement work in Rochester early in my career, I met Donna and Deb Salmon and we engaged from time to time in different initiatives. I was delighted to share receiving the CASE quarter century award at the same ceremony with Donna after not seeing her for years. She was an outstanding individual and professional, always cheerful and happy to engage in conversation and good work. My condolences to Deb, family and friends – may you find strength and peace in the days ahead.

  69. Kathleen Pringle Avatar
    Kathleen Pringle

    Dear Deb, My condolences to you and your family over the loss of your dear twin sister. May your many memories and the knowledge of Donna’s profound impact on so many keep her close in your hearts forever.

  70. Joe and Mary Connorton Avatar
    Joe and Mary Connorton

    We knew Donna in college. Our hearts go out to Deb and the rest of the family. Sending deepest condolences and wishing much comfort at this difficult time.

  71. Tracy Schleyer Avatar
    Tracy Schleyer

    May family find comfort in fond memories of Donna.

  72. Teresa Galbier Avatar
    Teresa Galbier

    Debbie, I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear sister. My heart goes out to you. You and your family are in my prayers. With heartfelt condolences, Teresa Galbier

  73. Pat Hartigan Avatar
    Pat Hartigan

    I’m just learning this incredible sad and shocking news Diane.Donna has been such a helpful,caring neighbor to me.I will miss her smile and cheerful words.My prayers for her and your family.I will never forget her kindnesses.May she Rest In Peace.

  74. Shirley Lynch Avatar
    Shirley Lynch

    My deepest sympathy to the entire Salmon family in the loss of your daughter and sister. Although I didn’t know Donna personally I feel I did through Diane and Deb and the stories they told. I am truly sorry for your loss.

    1. Dale Haefner Avatar
      Dale Haefner

      I am very saddened by the news of Donna’s passing. My condolences to the entire Salmon family. She was always such a happy person and very dedicated to whatever she was doing. I’ll miss seeing her at Fisher functions and talking about old times . My prayers are with the family.

  75. Dale Haefner Avatar
    Dale Haefner

    I am very saddened by the news of Donna’s passing. My condolences to the entire Salmon family. She was always such a happy person and very dedicated to whatever she was doing. I’ll miss seeing her at Fisher functions and talking about old times . My prayers are with the family.

  76. ED LYND SJFC 1956 Avatar
    ED LYND SJFC 1956

    ALWAYS BRIGHT , SMILING AND WELCOMING, DONNA WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO DEB AND FAMILY

  77. Donald Muench Avatar
    Donald Muench

    It is sad that Donna has left us… but the Angels are rejoicing. She was a model alumna of Fisher. She had a great love for the Fisher Family and for the institution. Her infectious smile and enthusiastic voice will be missed! May she rest in peace.

  78. Erick Peterson Avatar
    Erick Peterson

    Condolences to Tom and the Salmon family.

  79. Randy Stone Avatar
    Randy Stone

    Donna left us much too soon! Many of us at the University of Rochester knew her well. She was a constant presence during the time that she worked to support the Skalny Center, and she formed deep connections with everyone who knew her.

  80. Bob Dardano Avatar
    Bob Dardano

    Donna was good-hearted and always greeted me with a smile and a kind word. She touched many lives, especially in her role in the Alumni Office of the University of Rochester where she always supported my interactions with the university. I was proud to call Donna a friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.

  81. Lynn Keller Avatar
    Lynn Keller

    Debbie, I was very saddened to learn of your sister’s passing. I hope you take some comfort in knowing that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  82. Eve Elzenga Avatar
    Eve Elzenga

    Which was bigger — her heart or smile? I worked with Deb at SJFC and later at UR.. She was truly a kind person with a HUGE personality. This made her SUCH an effective fundraiser. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and all who were touched by her positive spirit.

  83. Melinda Goldberg Avatar
    Melinda Goldberg

    Deb- I was very sorry to hear of your sister‘s passing. I met her a few times at Afp events. May her memory be of a blessing.

  84. Ellen Scalzo Avatar
    Ellen Scalzo

    My sincere condolences to you, Debbie and all your family.

  85. Cary Feldman Avatar
    Cary Feldman

    I was shocked and saddened to hear of Donna’s sudden passing. Over the years of discussing the U of R with her drinking coffees, eating meals, and at U of R events, she became ore than my main link to the U of r, but also a friend. My condolences to her family and her many friends. May her memory be for a blessing

  86. Michael Blank Avatar
    Michael Blank

    I worked with Donna through the George Eastman Circle in the Delaware Valley and came to know her quite well over the years. She was very bright and witty. I was quite surprised to hear of her passing and will miss her enormously. I give my heartfelt condolences to her twin sister and the rest of her family. My her memory be a blessing always,