Donna Marie Lanza

6/23/2016

Donna Lanza (nee Frayne) passed away peacefully on June 23, 2016 at the Grand River Freeport Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario after a short illness due to cancer. She leaves behind Bob, the love of her life, her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends.

Donna was born and raised in Hamilton. Over the 52 years of marriage to Bob, she took charge of setting up new family homes, schooling arrangements, family social life, extracurricular activities for children, etc., in Hamilton, Halifax, Saskatoon and Kitchener.

She was a wise, compassionate and generous woman who always offered help to the less fortunate and needy. Donna was the go-to person when family and friends sought advice on what to do at difficult times. She was forthright and never candy-coated the solution to a problem. She told it the way it was; if you did not want the truth, you best not ask Donna.
This exceptional woman will be missed by all those that she touched.

A celebration of life will be held at the Deer Ridge Golf Club on Sunday July 3, 2016 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Family and friends are welcome to join in.

Visit Donna's obituary notice on Facebook.

23 Comments

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“Once again, thank you so much for your kind service on behalf of myself and her family, we thank you for making a difficult time seamless”

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Steve and Debbie Lydon

6/24/2016 11:52:24 pm

Kathy and family we are so sorry for your loss, we met your mom a couple of times and we know where you get your spirit from. Thinking and praying for you at this tough time. Keep you memories close to your heart. Much love from The Lydons xxxxx

Susanna Garforth

6/24/2016 11:53:47 pm

I am so sorry to hear this news. Donna was a lovely lady and I enjoyed her company whenever I saw her, not so much in recent years unfortunately. I especially value times she and I spent time together with our grand-daughters when they were young. She was very kind to my mother. Condolences and love to you all. Susanna. x.

Sarah

6/25/2016 01:12:10 am

The world was blessed to have Donna in it - she will be greatly missed. I feel so lucky to have had her in my life for so many years. She has helped me through good and hard times with support and love and a huge amount of humour. Her spirit and determination shone through to the end as did her steadfast characteristic of seeing humour in even the darkest times. I send my condolences and deepest sympathy and love, Sarah xxx

Terri Frayne

6/25/2016 01:36:18 am

Our sincerest sympathy to you all. Donna will be greatly missed by many she came in touch with. I will miss my sweetest sister in-law, our long talks, and the laughter we shared on the phone for an hour or two. And yes she always had the right words to say and guided me through many ups and downs. I thank you Donna for being in my life and being there for me. You're in my heart, never forgotten, forever you will stay, no more pain. Now rest beautiful lady, but know you up there making people laugh and telling them like it is!! LOVE YOU God Bless you always.

Sarah link

6/25/2016 05:00:53 am

With heartfelt sympathy, we are sorry for your loss and I am grateful to have known Donna for all of my adult life. It was only 5 months after I met her that she had her cardiac arrest but she fought all the odds and continued to share her love, good company, humour and spirit for another 26 years. Her story and her memory will continue to inspire us, lots of love the Lanforth girls xx

6/25/2016 05:03:19 am

6/25/2016 05:04:38 am

With heartfelt sympathy, I am sorry for your loss and I am grateful to have known Donna for all of my adult life. It was only 5 months after I met her that she had her cardiac arrest but she fought all the odds and continued to share her love, good company, humour and spirit for another 26 years. Her story and her memory will continue to inspire me, lots of love Sarah xxx

Maria link

6/25/2016 10:31:01 am

Kathy, I’ve never realised how much you look like your mom. I send my deepest sympathies to you and your family. The first thing that comes to mind is the dinner bell ringing from the house with the pool around the corner. Then Waterloo, waking up the Lanza’s with phone calls ringing way past 10pm. We all eventually caught on to the rule. Visiting the Lanza’s I wondered, “what is she going to say this time?” And, I didn’t even need to ask! I remember the laughter. It helps to remember the good times, revive great memories, and work towards peace for those who have passed and those who remain. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know the woman who rang that bell what seemed every night during the summertime. Mrs. Lanza, I wish you peace as you look over us, ringing the bells in heaven.

Susan and Michael McCulloch

6/26/2016 12:44:02 pm

Dear Kathy and John. We did not know your mother, (mother-in-law), Donna. However, If she raised the wonderful lady that you are, Kathy, I'm sure she was just as wonderful. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carla

6/27/2016 01:30:18 am

I struggled to find the right words, but Kathy managed perfectly: "Life is going to be less colorful without her". Although we only lived 5 houses apart when I was little, it wasn't until Kathy and I were in University together that I met Donna. Somehow, our Hamilton roots added something to my connecting with the Lanzas and I came to consider them my extended family. From day one, Donna was a force to be reckoned with. It took me a while to get used to how direct she was but she always welcomed me and made me feel like a part of the family. I thank the Lanza's for opening your home to me. It became my home-away-from-home, a great escape especially during exams. I appreciated Donna's well-stocked cabinets - cookies, chocolates, chips, candy - the first time I experienced melted cheese on a vegetable was at Donna's table. It was amazing. Her home is warm and inviting, I enjoy being there. Donna was funny, sharp, sarcastic, artistic and always great fun to be around. Her generosity didn't stop at home. While out for lunch with Kathy and her mom, many years ago, Donna bought lunch for a man seeking a handout. It wasn't the first or last time she would help out. And Donna was an amazing mom - Kathy, you are blessed to have had such a beautiful relationship together.

I'm glad I've been able to stay connected with Donna and Bob over the years, despite the distance. I can't remember the exact time I was last there, but I do know that we laughed, a lot and as always there was chocolate in the drawers.

Donna, thank you for welcoming me into your family. I will miss you - but I just need to look to your daughter to see the lively, generous spirit that you always had - it's still with us because you passed that on a long time ago. And we're all the better for it. My deepest condolences to my Lanza family, with much love, Carla

Laura & Doug Paulett

6/27/2016 04:48:51 am

Dear Kathy & family, we never knew Donna, but know how much you loved and looked up to her, so are so very sorry for your loss. Kathy, all the wonderful attributes used to describe her here are very much present in you, so her memory will live on. We'll be thinking of you next Sunday.xxx

Trish Sullivan

6/27/2016 09:43:31 am

Dear Coleman family,
We are so sorry for the passing of your mom. We know how much she meant to you, and your entire family. Hope that you will find some peace with the incredible memories you have of her.
All our love to you and deepest sympathies.
Terry, Trish, Amy and Lisa

Lynda Matthews

6/27/2016 01:35:06 pm

I am so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. So many wonderful memories to be had of family gatherings throughout our younger years, - Holidays and Lanza family picnics. As time went on, we were all busy with our own lives, but the connection was always there in the background and rekindled at special events such as weddings and milestone birthdays. Her personality was strong and full of fun, so in that way I hope that you all will be able to take comfort in knowing that her very essence will always be with you.
Cousin Lynda

Kirsten Frey

6/27/2016 04:07:11 pm

Kathy, I never had the privelege of meeting your Mom but it has been a blessing to have you as a friend. Know that our thoughts and hearts are with you at this sad time. The picture of your parents is fantastic and WOW, do you and Laura ever look like your Mom!
Love & Light,
Kirsten, Scott and Michael

Barbara Franklin - Dunnville, On link

6/27/2016 04:33:10 pm

Bob & family,
I am so sorry to hear about Donna. It is a lot of years since we have been in touch - but we were friends since Grade 2 & I have many fond & happy memories of our times growing up.
Bob, my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

Sincerely, Barb.

The Mitchells

6/27/2016 07:27:52 pm

Words are never enough.....I only met your mom once Kathy but reading the comments on this page I feel I can say that you truly take after her in so many ways. Your generosity and lively spirit, your compassion and your kindness and your welcoming nature are obviously the strong family traits that tie you to her. A sad time yes, but the memories will be plentiful and will be your strength. All our love and heartfelt thoughts are with you all xx

Richard & Jean Gazzola

6/29/2016 07:52:57 pm

Bob. Please accept our sympathies on the death of your wife and soulmate.

Ed Kurys

6/29/2016 10:40:11 pm

Bob, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your wife. I remember meeting her before the two of you were married – she was a lovely lady and a beautiful person. Once again, my deepest sympathy.

Patricia Smith (nee Roncaioli)

6/30/2016 07:56:24 pm

In 2013, Art Sabastian relayed your sympathy to me upon the death of my husband. I have now learned that your dear wife, Donna has passed away. I was deeply saddened to hear this news. After 52 years of marriage the grief you are experiencing must be immense. I send to you my most heartfelt condolences.
Your old schoolmate, Pat

Cheryl Hoshowsky

6/30/2016 11:59:21 pm

Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Both your Mom and yourself were extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time with each other these last months. I'm sure it meant the world to both of you. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Hugs,
Cheryl

Randy & Rhonda Cline

7/1/2016 02:01:31 pm

Bob, Kathy, and family,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. We know what a special person Donna was and we are thinking of you at this difficult time.

7/1/2016 02:34:34 pm

Halina Hamilton

7/1/2016 03:14:16 pm

We only met Donna a few times, but we remember how fun she was to be around – especially memorable was her humor and laughter. Reading these heartwarming stories of how fond everyone was of Donna must surely be comforting. (We wish we knew her better.) Love this picture of your parents, Kath – so sweet and you look just like your Mom. Seems that you also inherited many of her outstanding qualities, especially her generous, charitable nature.
You often said you considered it an honor and a gift that you could take care of your Mom during her illness – truly a testament to how much you love her. Our deepest condolences to the Lanza and Coleman families. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love, Halina, Bill, Brian, Justin

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