Diane Marie Donatio of Arlington passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2005 at Lahey Clinic in Burlington.
Diane was the beloved daughter of the late Henrietta (Fragnito) and Joseph Donatio. She was the special niece of Ginger Fragnito, and the beloved friend of Darryl Madey. Diane was also survived by her uncles, aunts and cousins, cherished friends, brothers and sisters of the St. Agnes, Reading, Parish Community, and dear colleagues at Lasell College and Northeastern University.
Funeral from the Joseph Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home 11 Linden St. READING on Friday at 9:30am followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of and thanksgiving for Diane’s life in St. Agnes Church 186 Woburn St. Reading at 10:30am. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours Thursday 4-8pm. Parking is available in the municipal parking lot located behind Atlantic Supermarket on Haven St. Services will conclude with interment at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford, with a reception to follow.
A Professor of English and Communications at Lasell College in Newton, and Senior Lecturer at Northeastern University’s Burlington campus, Diane was truly a gifted teacher, mentor and friend to her students and fellow faculty. Diane was pursuing her PhD Studies, having previously earned her M.S. in Mass Communications from Boston University’s College of Communication, and her undergraduate degrees in Art and English at the University of Massachusetts.
Active in the St. Agnes Prayer Community, Diane’s beautiful voice was also heard weekly as Cantor at masses, and she sung soprano with the Lifestream Choir. She also assisted at the rectory on Saturdays. At the center of her life was her Lord, Jesus. Her faithful walk with Him was marked by her exemplary love and compassion, and her generosity. Diane’s empathy for others and sensitivity to their needs and feelings made her a wonderful friend; her zest for life and ready laughter enriched our lives. Diane was truly a gift from God. In the spirit of the words Philippians 2, Diane’s life will forever shine like the stars of the sky.
Donations in honor of Diane may be made to: St. Francis House, P.O. Box 120499, Essex Station, Boston, MA 02112-0499.