Christiana York Donnel, 56, passed away Nov. 15, 2019, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Christiana was born Jan. 2, 1963, in New London, CT, and grew up in Mystic. She was the only daughter of the late C. Philip Donnel, III and Jane Donnel. She was predeceased by her infant brother Ian. She is survived by her mother and daughters Haley York of Rochester, NY, and Sarah Glas of Groton, CT ; her brothers C. Philip Donnel IV (Jennifer) of Mystic, Turner Donnel (Joann) of Groton, and Mason Donnel (Susan) of Voluntown, as well as nieces Jessica, Emily and Sophia , nephews Timothy, Benjamin, Quint, Michael and Ian, and great nephew Jamie; her aunt Judy Ehrhardt of Nova Scotia, and many cousins. She was dearly loved by all her family and friends.
Christiana graduated from Ledyard Vo-Ag High School and earned an Associate’s Degree in animal sciences at the University of Maine, Orono, after which she was a trainer at the Mystic Marinelife Aquarium, and later a laboratory technician at Pfizer during which she continued her education at Conn. College, graduating with a degree in Zoology. When she became allergic to the lab animals, she worked as Director of Children’s Ministries at the Mystic Congregational Church, during which she received a certification at the Hartford Seminary. She later taught at Mary Morrison School in Groton after receiving her teacher’s certification, and was pursuing her Master’s Degree at Conn. College when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015.
Christiana loved animals and raised two litters of Springer Spaniels. She was an accomplished quilter and was known for her baby blankets, still cherished by their recipients. She was an avid walker, covering 4 to 6 miles daily through Mystic and Noank.
Christiana’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Vitas Hospice Care and the L & M Hospital for their wonderful care and support.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the Mystic Congregational Church, 43 East Main Street in Mystic on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mystic & Noank Library designated for children’s books or to a charity of your choice.
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