Yorkville- Donna May (Connors) Mrs. Roberts was reunited with the Lord and the love of her life, husband Gregory, when she passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the age of 78. The company of her dear family where she has taken care of her every need.
Donna was born May 24, 1944 in Syracuse to the late Albert T. and Margaret M. (Herbert) Connors. Her parents have traveled to 13 states in search of the perfect place for her to live, but New York Her Mills is just as fitting as home. Donna completed her secondary education at NY Mills High School, where she began majorette and baton twirling at age 13. Her parents were incredibly supportive of her drive for the sport, and she graduated in 1962, the same year she won Miss Majorette New York State. At the same time, she was teaching baton twirling to the team at her NY School of the Deaf. She has served as a judge for the National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) and has been a coach for the New York She-Mills and New She-Hartford School Districts. A particular highlight of her athletic career was her induction into the Twirling Hall of Fame with her baton.
Donna married Gregory P. “Greg” Roberts on August 8, 1964. Music first brought them together through the community theater of Rome. Greg was the vocalist and Donna wielded a baton. They were blessed with three daughters who they claimed had magical parents and incredible childhood experiences. and passed away on October 13, 2013, leaving Donna heartbroken. The unity and devotion of her children and grandchildren encouraged her to live an independent life, although she felt she needed joy to continue their relationship. .
As a mother, Donna was selfless. There was nothing she would not do for her daughters. She was truly focused and at ease in any event or situation. She was endowed with the spirit of being an advocate, reaching out on behalf of anyone who touched her soul. He was able to intuitively pick up on other people’s affairs and spoke very well. She was a letter writer and note sender and she always shared kind words. She was relieved to know her children were safe. Her family was her everything. She had a humble nature, was a little silly, had a big laugh and a great smile.Throughout her life, her focus was on her family. Her personal accomplishments were great, but she was a runner-up.
Donna’s childhood was full of adventures, which extended into her marriage and motherhood. Sometimes she didn’t reach her destination, but the trip was always fun! Road trips were their way of getting around and she always kept everyone busy and always had the best snacks!
Donna was free in her affection. She was always ready for a hug, a thoughtful gift giver and a note maker. Every night at 5:00 was family dinner time and she was an amazing cook! Tacos was her best. She wanted to please everyone’s palette! She was a fine dresser when she was younger, but over the years she has changed her style to a more casual look, in keeping with the times. A favorite soul-liberating hobby, she and Greg enjoyed square dancing when they were younger.
Donna’s home decor was farmhouse country style! With an abundance of photos capturing every moment, it was a creative outlet for her.Every room in her house had a theme, just like a B&B. She liked to sew clothes and her daughters often wore matching clothes. Her cunning side was evident. She learned to knit and even planted a garden. If she had a vision of her home, her husband could always answer her call and finish her work.
Donna lived a full life and left each of her daughters and grandchildren a unique piece of her own. “Like snowflakes, each one is beautiful and unique.”
Her family will always cherish the memories of the summer at Boonville Camp in Black River, the celebration of Thanksgiving and the “Christmas Around the World” where Donna served ethnic cuisine from every destination. All her presentations were always perfect! In her later years, she passed by Torchlight and had her daughters “run the circus.”
Donna loved being a grandma. She was spending “over the moon” with her grandchildren. She was a nursery provider and a book reader, and she regularly brought the children to the library. She attended every event and never got bored! She loved every moment and opportunity to engage in experiences with her children.
Once upon a time, Donna was a loyal female member of the Rosary Choir. She was a devout Catholic. Mass was an important part of family life, children learned to know and love the Lord and continued to attend Sunday Mass. As children, they walked the golf course from her Andrews Avenue home. Donna was a former cook for the parish priest of St. Mary’s Church. She was honored by her work and was always grateful for the compliments she received.
Donna is survived by her precious daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen A. and Jerome Tyne, Kathleen and Eriksen Strop, Carolyn R. and Derek Wolfanger. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Colin Fisher and Danielle Reed. Kelly, Shane Stropp. Ryan, Dylan Wolfanger. She cherished the memory of her late sister Marie Harwood and left behind her brother-in-law Donald Harwood. She is survived by her beloved niece, nephew, great-niece, great-nephew, cousin, her step-family, William and Elaine Roberts, Natalie Roberts and Ben Hoskins, veterans. US Air Force. Before her were her husband’s brothers, their wives and sisters, Richard and Barbara Roberts, John Roberts, James and Laura “Mimi” Roberts, and Mary Hoskins. Leaving Kogat, she approached her to the end. Before her were her father-in-law and her mother-in-law John Henry and Margaret (O’Brien) Roberts.
Donna’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Donna Bargeese of Upstate Geriatrics for her kind participation in Donna’s care, and Deacon Tony of St. Paul’s Church, Whitesboro, who visited and prayed for Donna. I think that I want to do it.
A meeting will be held for friends and family on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the corner of Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are politely invited. To attend her Donna’s Christian Burial and Life Celebration on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 9:30 am at Sacred Heart & Saint Mary’s Church, 201 Main Street, NY Mills. Her burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, where she will be buried beside her husband.
Instead of flowers, you can donate to the Brain Research Foundation www.thebrf.org/donate.
Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. – Published by Utica, January 25, 2023.
