It is with great sadness that Donna Marie Campanelli (nee Nardella), our cherished wife, mother, nonna, sister, and friend, left this world into the arms of God on February 18, 2023, in Hamilton, Ontario. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband and the love of her life, Joseph. Donna Marie is lovingly remembered by her three children, Michael (Jari), Mary Ann (Greg), and Paul and her four adored grandchildren, Maya, Jude, Sophia and Leah. Daughter of the late Lorenzo and Gaetana, survived by her siblings, Madeleine, Larry, Linda, and Rosemary and the late Louise, John, Loretta, and Joe.
Being a mother and grandmother was her greatest joy in life. Her love of life could be caught in the sparkle in her eye when dancing with her grandchildren.
Donna Marie was born on June 6th, 1938. Graduating in 1961 as a registered nurse from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Hamilton. Donna Marie travelled and worked in south Texas before returning to Dundas to start a family and enjoy a 35+ year career.
Donna Marie had the remarkable ability to strike up an animated conversation with those she had just met and lifelong friends alike. You could always expect a captivating and kind conversation. She loved to travel, journeying to many corners of the earth, exploring exotic foods and cultures; before it was fashionable, she was always a trendsetter.
Her Catholic faith was ever-present in her life and gave her strength, hope and inspiration. Her faith and capacity to endure adversity with dignity and grace were unsurmountable. She belonged to many prayer groups and always enjoyed her time with friends in faith. She had a special devotion to St. Jude, the Divine Mercy, and Our Lady Undoer of Knots.
She will be celebrated and remembered for her gregarious spirit, kind, loving heart, and positivity in the face of adversity. Her smile could light up a room. She was a tour de force.
Friends will be received by the family on Monday, February 27th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28th at St. Augustine’s Church, 58 Sydenham Street, Dundas, and celebration of her life to follow. Interment at St. Augustine’s Cemetery.
So deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful mom. May your special memories together bring you comfort. God bless,
Donaria, Jorge, David Pauta
Donna Marie was always one of my favourite Red Hat Ladies! She always made us laugh. So sorry to hear of her passing. I live too far to come and pay my respects but I will keep her in my prayers. R.I.P. Donna Marie
Catherine Winton, Queen Hatitude, Purple Periwrinkles
Nova Scotia
Maryann, Michael and Paul,
Sometimes there are no words … only warm thoughts in the soul.
I have many warm memories of my wonderful years with your mother.
She was my loving sister for almost 80 years and my best friend. I could always count on her for good advice and fun conversation during our movie nights together when she would invariably fall asleep on the lounge chair when I would have to poke her to wake her up … and she would say … ‘Oh no,
I wasn’t sleeping.’ Just some laughs together.
She went back to her Holy Mother Mary and her Maker on my birthday … I am honoured that she was re-born on the day I was born.
I join with you in grieving this great loss … the loss of a very special person,
Donna Marie, your mother and my dear sister.
Please accept our deepest sympathy at the passing of your dear Mother. Donna will be missed by her loving family and many friends.
We came to know Donna through Michael and Jari at their wedding reception and the baby shower for Sofia.
We are keeping you on our thoughts and prayers. May Donna rest in peace.
Donna Marie,
We met for the first time in the Czech Republic, where our children united their hearts before God. I remember meeting you at Dundas. Your radiant face, a kind and hearty smile, a warm hug.
You were proud of your children, Michael, Mary Ann and Paul. You were fond of your grandchildren, like any grandmother. Jude and Maya dazzled you with their adolescence, their noble interests, and their ambitions. Sofia impressed you with the way she knows letters and numbers, even though she goes to kindergarten. And Leah? Leah, being the youngest of them all, tries to imitate everyone.
When we last met last year, your health was already bothering you. You were brave and your son Paul took care of you with love and humility. Donna Marie you remain in my heart as a kind, cheerful person.
At every meeting, you always radiated faith in God and the joy of seeing each other again. You always had a gift for me. And they will remind me of you and the times together. You’re where we’re going too. We will meet. I am grateful for the moments with you.
Thank you, Hana (Czech Republic).
Hana Budinova
Family
Mike, despite having never met your mother, it is clear that her spirit and contagiously friendly, animated disposition carries on through you and your children. We can ask for nothing more than a purpose-filled life with plenty of time to share our love with friends and family and it sounds like your dear mother had that in spades. Our deepest condolence for your loss and hope you can all find peace and comfort in your remembrance of her enduring legacy.
We are saddened at the loss of our good friend, Donna Marie. She always had a smile and kind words. We send our deepest condolences to all the family.
Remembering my dear friend, Donna Marie, with love & respect for her strength, fond memories of our times together & laughter. We worked for many years on the Terrace at the Henderson Hospital and she always showed her compassion, friendly smile and helping hand to all. We enjoyed gardening, our girls luncheons, sharing stories of our grandchildren & children’s lives & travels we each took. Sharing a cup of tea with conversation was such a pleasant luxury. I will miss her…
My heart goes to her family. Now her memories will linger with you always, with her love.
It is difficult to express how special Donna Marie was. My loving sister gave such joy and happiness throughout the years to all that crossed her path. Every time I was met with such a warm smile and hug. I will miss her beautiful spirit. I know that there will be sadness since we have lost such a special soul especially for her loving children. What eases the pain is knowing that she is filled with joy in the next world.
“Our body is like the cage, and the spirit is like the bird… if the cage becomes broken, the bird will continue to exist: its feelings will be even more powerful, its perception greater, and its happiness increased.”
With much love,
Rosemarie (Stan) Justin and Janessa
So sorry for your loss Paul
My deepest condolences to you and your family
Our prayers
We so love your whole family, extended family and all the wonderful memories of our precious cousin, Donna Marie!! Marie Graci, Donna Marie’s dear friend, sends her DEEP condolences to Mary Ann and Michael and Paul and families.In hospital herself, Marie sadly can not be present in person.
.
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother and grandmother. Always ready to spend time talking and catching up where ever you saw her – at church, at Fortino’s and even at Limeridge Mall. A long time co worker at the hospital and Dundas friend! My deepest condolences.
Fay Boem, Juliana, Andrew(Pala) and family, Gabriella, Simone and family
From Donna Gail to Donna Marie
As I stand on this shore of life knowing you have taken the voyage from which no one returns
Remembering remembering
We first met all those years ago at the General when you were on the IV team
Dundas in the old days- your home was once a farmer’s field
We met up again on the Terrace at the Henderson
We retired our nursing days done
There were many lunches giggles and memories
Now you are gone to be with Joe and the ancestors will gather round – share a glass of vino and remember a life lived well RIP Donna Marie