Mrs. Donna May (Connors) Roberts

YORKVILLE- Mrs. Donna May (Connors) Roberts was reunited with the Lord and the love of her life, her husband Gregory, when she passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the age of 78. She passed peacefully and in the company of her dear family who had been caring for her every need. Donna was born on May 24, 1944, to the late Albert T. and Margaret M. (Herbert) Connors in Syracuse. Her parents traveled 13 states in pursuit of the perfect place to live, and New York Mills fit most like home. Donna concluded her secondary education at N.Y. Mills High School where she was a majorette and a baton twirler beginning at the age of 13. She was passionate, competitive, athletic, determined, and focused. Her parents were incredibly supportive of her drive for this sport, not hesitant with help getting to lessons, practices, or traveling for opportunities to compete. In 1962 she won Miss Majorette N.Y. State, and graduated the same year. Concurrently she taught baton twirling to a team at N.Y. School of the Deaf. She went on to be a judge for the National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA), and coached for New York Mills and New Hartford School Districts. A particular highlight of her athletic career was being inducted to the National Baton Twirling Hall of Fame. Donna married Gregory P. “Greg” Roberts on August 8, 1964. They fell in love, remained in love, and their marriage always came first. Music first brought them together through the community theater in Rome. Greg was a vocalist, and Donna twirled her batons. They were blessed with three daughters, who claim to have had magical parents and incredible childhood experiences. “What better life could we have asked for!” Greg became ill later in life and passed away on October 13, 2013, and Donna was heartbroken. She felt that she needed the joys of their relationship to continue, but with the unity and dedication of her children and grandchildren she was encouraged to live an independent life. As a mother, Donna was selfless. There was nothing she would not do for her girls. She was truly focused and reassuring in any event or situation. She was endowed with a spirit of being an advocate, and would reach out on behalf of anyone who touched her soul. She was able to intuitively notice things in others and was very well-spoken. She was a letter-writer, and note-sender, and always had kind words to share. She took comfort knowing that her children were safe. Her family was her everything. She possessed a humble nature, was a bit silly, had a great laugh and a brilliant smile… what a combination! Throughout her life her focus was on her family. Her personal accomplishments, though great, came second. Donna’s childhood was full of adventure, which continued into her married life and motherhood. Sometimes their destination was not met, but the journey was always fun! Road-trips were their method of travel, and she always kept everyone busy—and always had the best snacks! Donna was free with her affection. She was always prepared to give a hug, and was a thoughtful gift-giver and note-writer. 5:00 was family dinner time every night, and she was an astonishing cook! Tacos were her best. She wanted to please everyone’s palette! She was a stunning dresser in her youth, and keeping with the times, changed her style to a more casual look over the years. Dancing was a favorite hobby that freed her soul, and she and Greg enjoyed square dancing in their earlier years. Donna’s home décor was farmhouse country style! It was a creative outlet for her with photos galore, capturing every moment. Every room in her home had a theme, just like a B&B. She loved to sew clothing and her girls often had matching outfits. Her crafty side was so evident—she learned to knit, and she could also plant a garden. If she had a vision for her home, her husband could always answer the calling and finish the job. Donna lived a full life, and leaves a unique piece of herself in each of her girls and her grandchildren. They will hold close the gifts they received from her, and will continue her traditions and her legacy. “Like a snowflake, each one is beautifully unique.” Her family will always cherish the memories of summers at their Boonville Camp on the Black River, Thanksgiving celebrations, and “Christmas Around the World,” where Donna served ethnic foods from all destinations. Her presentation of everything was always to perfection! In her later years she passed the torch and let her girls “run the circuses” as she realized she had done it long enough. Donna loved being gramma. She was “over the moon” spending time with her grandchildren. She was the daycare provider, the book reader, and regularly brought them to the library. She attended every event and never tired of it! She loved every moment or opportunity to be engaged in experiences with the kids. At one time, Donna was a faithful member of the Lady of the Rosary Choir. She was a devout Catholic. Mass was an important part of their family life, and their children learned to know and love the Lord, and they continued to attend Sunday mass. As children, they walked from their Andrews Ave. home across the golf course to attend! Donna was the former cook for the parish priest at St. Mary’s Church, a task which she was honored to do, and she always appreciated the compliments she received. Donna is survived by her cherished daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen A. and Jerome Tine, Kathleen and Eriksen Stropp, and Carolyn R. and Derek Wolfanger. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Corinne Fisher and Daniel Reid; Kelly, and Shane Stropp; and Ryan, and Dylan Wolfanger. She held close the memory of her late sister, Marie Harwood and leaves behind her brother-in-law, Donald Harwood. She is survived by her beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and in-laws, William and Elaine Roberts, Natalie Roberts and Ben Hoskins, Ret. U.S. Air Force. She was preceded by her husband’s brothers, their wives and his sister, Richard and Barbara Roberts, John Roberts, James and Laura “Mimi” Roberts, and Mary Hoskins. She also leaves her lifelong friend, Mary Kogut, to whom she remained close to the very end. She was preceded by her father-in-law, and mother-in-law, John Henry and Margaret (O’Brien) Roberts. Donna’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Dona Varghese from Upstate Geriatrics for participating with such kindness in Donna’s care, and to Deacon Tony from St. Paul’s Church, Whitesboro, who visited and prayed with Donna. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023, from 4:00-6:00 PM for friends and family at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Donna’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 9:30 A.M. at Sacred Heart & Saint Mary’s Church, 201 Main Street, NY Mills. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brain Research Foundation www.thebrf.org/donate.

Mrs. Donna May (Connors) Roberts

May 24, 1944 - January 21, 2023