Donna Needham was born March 31, 1945 and passed away on March 19, 2011, just 12 days shy of her 66th birthday. After battling her third and fourth cancers, she finally lost the battle that she had been waging with amazing courage, determination and dignity since 1979.
She was born in Yonkers, New York but when Donna was three years old, her parents decided to return to Chelmsford, MA. She spent the rest of her childhood in Chelmsford.
Donna graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1966 with an English major, and continued her education at Northeastern University for her master's degree in psychological counseling.
Donna's whole career was spent as an English teacher at Danvers High School,Danvers, MA. Her brilliant intellect, her sense of humor, her quick wit, her humility and her sense of fairness attracted students to her like a magnet. She was highly revered by her students, and several of her students have remained in close contact with her since their graduation and her retirement in 2001.
Cape Cod was Donna's first love. She spent every summer in Truro, enjoying all the adventures that were available. The Cape also provided her motivation for recovering from polio that she contracted when she was seven years old. She would crawl on her stomach to the water and then kick and paddle board for hours at a time. She eventually walked again, and she always attributed a large part of that recovery to her time at the beach using her paddle board.
Finally, in 2001 when Donna retired, she moved th her cherished Truro on Cape Cod. She was able to enjoy her last years there, in spite of battling cancers two, three and four.
As a member of the Danvers Teachers' Association, Donna acted in the position of Vice-President and was also a member of the negotiating team. She was also on the board of the Pamet Harbor Yacht and Tennis Club. Donna was nominated and accepted into Who's Who of American Teachers.
The Truro Treasure's weekend was Donna's favorite volunteer cause. She spent countless hours over the years gathering, sorting and listing prizes, selling raffle tickets, and running the raffle. She was also a board member of the Truro Treasure's Committee.
Donna was predeceased by her parents, Bertram and Myrtle Needham. She is survived by her beloved partner and spouse of nearly forty-four years, Janet St.Onge and her very large extended family: Sr. Martha St.Onge; Elaine and Robert Mack; Carol St.Onge and her partner, Kyle Cooper; Joni St.Onge and her partner, Linda Pickard; Connie and Ned Adams; nephews Todd Mack, Christopher Mack, Tony Lewis, Matt Adams; nieces Stephanie Griffin, Ceara Lewis, Suzie Boyd; our former student Colleen Sjogren and her partner, Collette Glaude; Nancy and Paul Chamberlin; Paula Chamberlin and Mary Mooney; Craig Chamberlin and Scott Simpson; and several great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her cousins Nancy Hudson, Michael John Hudson, Harmon Hunter and several second and third cousins.
An expression of heartfelt thanks is in order for the many, many dear friends who helped and supported us throughout this time. You do not know what each of your contributions meant to us.
The funeral will be held Saturday March 26th at 1:00pm at the Christian Union Church, 27 Shore Road, North Truro, MA Internment will follow the funeral at Pine Grove Cemetery in Truro, MA. All are invited to attend a reception at the Pamet Harbor Yacht Club 7 Yacht Club Road, Truro, MA following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, we request any donations be made to the McCarthy Hospice and Pallative Care Center, 73 Service Road, East Sandwich, MA 02537.