Donna Lee (Wright) Burnett

Mrs. Donna Lee (Wright) Burnett, age 92, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 06, 2009 in the privacy of her home. Born in Independence, Virginia, on April 9, 1917, Donna Lee was the daughter of the late Fred and Mazy (Combs) Wright. She was raised and educated in Virginia. At one time, she was married to Amos O. Burnett. In 1943, Donna Lee relocated to Utica and began work as a seamstress at several area knitting factories including the Oneita Knitting Mill and the State Street Mill. She was lastly employed by Liziare’s Loungewear. One of ten children, Donna Lee was devoted to caring for her siblings. As a nurturing homemaker, she gave equal attention to her grandchildren and had a knack for recognizing their unique talents. She gave wise advice when it was needed, but never passed judgment on anyone. She saw the goodness in other people, and being in her company was like coming home. During her spare time she enjoyed needlework and canning, and she was generous in sharing the talents and fruits of her labor. She always beheld the beauty of her African violet plants which she carefully tended. She was an avid bingo player for many years and also enjoyed a good game of gin rummy. She was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Donna Lee is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Loretta and Bill Brown of CA, Juanita and Al Scheungrab of MD, and Becky and Phil Parrott of SC. Always close to her heart was the memory of her daughter, Mary Lee DeSantis, who passed away on August 16, 2005. She also leaves her son and daughter-in-law, Bill “Jack” and Ann Burnett of Whitesboro; her son-in-law, Ralph J. DeSantis of Utica with whom she currently resided; and many dear and cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her brothers and sisters-in-law, Claude and LeLa Wright, Randolf Wright, Ted and Hazel Wright, and Grayson and Joyce Wright; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Hazel Wright. She also leaves her caregiver, Donna Muntz, who became a dear and cherished friend. She was predeceased by her sisters, Edna Wright, and Lucille Bowers; her brothers, Prince Wright, Paul Wright, and her infant brother; and her longtime friend and in-law, Deane Lucenti. The family is grateful to Dr. Porus Dhabhar of the Slocum-Dickson Medical Group for his care and compassion. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Donna Lee’s honor to the American Breast Cancer Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Donna Lee’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Donna Lee (Wright) Burnett

April 9, 1917 - May 6, 2009