Donna T. Greatorex (Hickey), of Dedham formerly of Charlestown, died suddenly September 16, 2024, at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital. Born on September 16, 1947, in Cambridge, MA, Donna was the third of five children born to John J. Hickey and Agnes M. (Caffrey) Hickey.
We all lost a kind, caring, and remarkable person, Donna Teresa (Hickey) Greatorex. Donna's legacy lives on through her beloved husband of 51 years, Frederick Greatorex, her daughter Jessica and her husband Daniel Friel, and the light of Donna's life her grandson Jonathan.
Donna, who departed this world will be united with her predeceased son, Jonathan.
Donna was a dear sister of the late Barbara and her late husband Walter Lee; Marybeth; the late Margaret and her husband Joseph Zenga; and the late Jack. Donna was a dear sister-in-law of Patrick Greatorex and his wife Maureen; Anne Marie and her late husband Frank Garvin; Debbie and her husband Richard Lyman; and Cheryl and her husband Tom McGurty. Donna is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, their children, and dear friends.
After her college days, and prior to the birth of her first child Jonathan, Donna chose to work for Nazareth Child Care Center, in Jamaica Plain. She had no desire for the business world. She was thrilled with the task of caring for and nurturing young children. Donna displayed great efficiency, enthusiasm, patience, and dedication while working with these disadvantaged children. Donna would often take a resident child home for the weekend. For many years she would take two or three children home for Christmas. Many of these children stayed connected with her throughout the years. After her children were in school full time, Donna returned to work at Rosary Academy Learning Center, in Watertown. Donna's devotion to this profession was unwavering.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Donna's Funeral on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 A.M. in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown. Her burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Roxbury. Her Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024 from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. in the funeral home.
A luncheon celebrating Donna's life and legacy will be at Charles River Country Club, 483 Dedham Street, Newton, MA, following the interment.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Donna's name may be made to the:
Jonathan Frederick Greatorex Scholarship Fund
c/o Jackson Walnut Park School
200 Jackson Road, Newton, MA 02458