Donna Marie Messano

May 1, 1962 - April 30, 2024

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St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church

2 Bayview Ave.

Massapequa, New York 11758

516-798-4992 |

Saturday 6/1, 11:30 am

In lieu of flowers, please see the Donna Marie Messano Teacher Scholarship Fund. Thank you.

Scholarship Link

Donna Marie Messano, passed away unexpectedly on April 30^th,2024. Her family and friends are shocked and deeply saddened by her sudden death. Donna was born to the late Geraldine and Ralph Messano on May 1, 1962. She was the youngest of three children and survived by her sister Laura, brother Michael, niece Megan and pups: Daisy and Sevie. Donna graduated from Massapequa High School and received a Master of Science Degree from the School of Education from Long Island University-C.W. Post.

Donna’s vocation was teaching. She was a certified gifted and talented master teacher. Currently, as a NYC school teacher at PS174 n Rego Park, Queens, she was nominated for the Big Apple Teacher Award on numerous occasions. According to her students’ parents, “Donna set the bar for teaching.” Donna inspired her students to look to the stars, relish the wonders of nature, enjoy classical music and her favorite, Leonardo Da Vinci projects to name a few. A parent wrote that Donna was instrumental in the growth of her child as a person and a scholar – the student was spellbound by all of the amazing mind-expanding projects that she taught throughout the academic year. Donna was an exemplar teacher with a steadfast dedication and commitment to all of her students. She also taught at St. Agnes Cathedral School in Rockville Center, Clayton Huey Elementary School in Center Moriches, and McKenna Jr. High School in Massapequa Park,

Donna’s happy place was her home, backyard and the beach. She loved the ocean and her favorite beaches were TOBAY Beach and Montauk where she has spent many summers since childhood. Although Donna didn’t surf, she inspired family and friends to be surfing enthusiasts. She had a passion for the beach and surf culture. Donna enjoyed the beach all year long. During the winter months she combed the beach looking for shells and driftwood for her students. She inspired her students to spend weekends by stepping into nature. A lifelong learner – Donna’s passions included music, movies and history. She studied history as an undergraduate and once led programs for the Old Bethpage Village Restoration Museum. Donna participated in the 19^th century farm, school house, etc. and brought history to life.

Donna’s intense passions included advocating for animal rights. She was an early influencer and dedicated to creating a cruelty free world. In the 1970’s at 14 years old, during Thanksgiving weekend, after seeing a dead deer on the roof of a car, she immediately became a vegetarian and later a vegan. She also advocated on behalf of restoring her beloved Massapequa Lake. Donna often spent weekends visiting nursing homes and hospitals throughout Long Island and caring for friends.

Donna “set the bar” for being an exceptional sister, daughter and friend, as well. To know Donna, is to love her – she was loved by everyone. Although, she was quiet and private – she was quick to laugh, hysterically funny and no one was more fun. Donna lived a selfless life. She always put the needs of others before herself. If someone was in need, Donna would go through great lengths to give all that she had and to find ways to help. She was extremely strong, generous, kind, compassionate, empathetic and loved her family and friends unconditionally. Donna is a source for inspiration – she has changed the world and made a powerful impact on those who were privileged to know her. She was fiercely independent and sensitive. With her strong Christian faith, she faced disease with courage, strength, calmness, hope and determination. Sissy, we will love you and miss you until the end of time.

In lieu of flowers, please see the Donna Marie Messano Teacher Scholarship Fund. Thank you.

Scholarship Link

Massapequa Funeral Home

Trez

Connie Loos

Chloe Herel & family

Paula Goggin

Sharon Leung and family

Lily Lev

Jurgita

The Pacheco Family - Avery P.

Donna and Kevin Patterson

Micah and Ava Lovejoy

Judi Orme

St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church

2 Bayview Ave.

Massapequa, New York 11758

516-798-4992 | Map

Saturday 6/1, 11:30 am

In lieu of flowers, please see the Donna Marie Messano Teacher Scholarship Fund. Thank you.

Scholarship Link

Donna Marie Messano, passed away unexpectedly on April 30th, 2024. Her family and friends are shocked and deeply saddened by her sudden death. Donna was born to the late Geraldine and Ralph Messano on May 1, 1962. She was the youngest of three children and survived by her sister Laura, brother Michael, niece Megan andContinue Reading

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My dearest Donna, it is taking me over three months to write this to you. I could not even gather my thoughts, because my precious first friend, my best friend in this life was gone. Every single day since you left us, I have woken up with your beautiful smile in my mind. I will always remember the first time we met on the hot lunch line in fourth grade at Birch Ln., Elementary school. You wore a polkadot suit in navy blue with your brown hair swinging in a ponytail. I was new to the school and you asked me if I wanted to have lunch with you. For the next 52 years, we laughed, we cried, and we celebrated life’s milestones together. You were faithful and loyal to our friendship until the last day of your life. Even as you were ill, you were still reaching out to me praying for me as I battled cancer right along with you. Thank you. For all the wonderful memories and for the smiles and the tears that we shared together when I lost my son in 2016. When he was born in 1988, you would come to visit him in the nursery and you would look at no other baby, but him. That always brings a smile to my face to this day that you were so loyal to little Lee and only had eyes for him. I hope he greeted you at the pearly gates with his guitar, singing to his precious aunt Donna, and welcoming you home to heaven. I love you, Donna I will celebrate your life every day that I am still on this earth. One day I will join you and we will run along the ocean again, hand-in-hand, skipping, and laughing As we did in Montauk as children. Rest in tranquil peace until I see you again my Donna Wonna Love forever, your Lori Dori.

I am happy to have known Donna. She is a shinning star. Rest in Pease Donna.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Donna Messano . Plant a Tree

Ms. Messano was my second grade teacher, and she had made an impact on so many young minds, including mine. She pushed us to explore the world around us, experiment, and be creative. I remember sitting in her class; it feels like it was yesterday, working on our DaVinci projects or lining up to hand in our Current Events assignment on Fridays. However, this was 8 years ago. I remember meeting her niece Megan in class, and thinking “when I’m her age I’m going to revisit Ms. Messano’s class and talk to a new generation of students.” Sadly, I’ll never be able to do so, but I’ll always think of Ms. Messano fondly and remember her smile when talking about her dogs, and anything she was passionate about. And of course, I’ll always remember her prize box full of seashells🫶. Rest In Peace Ms. Messano, and thank you for everything <3 Love, Nicole.
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Our sincerest and deepest condolences to Ms. Messano's nearest and dearest. Ms. Messano was an incredible woman loved by all who got to know her. We appreciate her care and kindness. She left an unforgettable impact on my son and our family, so wise and knowledgeable and was making an incredible effort to pass it on to the children. We are forever grateful to get to know Ms. Messano! Adam Hammami, 2nd grade class, year 2020-2021 and Adam's family

Your smile was contagious. I have lost a great friend that I will miss greatly. I was always welcomed int your home and we had wonderful times filled with laughter. Let the angels welcome you home and Minute you will be missed greatly.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My deepest condolences to Laura and the Messano family on the passing of Donna, a most loving, humble, joyful and compassionate person, and the best dog sitter ever! She was truly a gift to all who knew her. A light has gone out of this world, but she is with us in spirit and our memories of her will last forever.

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Connie Loos lit a candle

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Chloe Herel & family lit a candle

My heartfelt sympathy at the passing of Donna- one of life’s gifts. I am grateful to have known Donna- sipped wine, cracked chestnuts and loved our dogs.

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Paula Goggin lit a candle

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Sharon Leung and family lit a candle

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Lily Lev lit a candle

Dear Messano Family, Please accept our sincere condolences. Words cannot express how much we miss her already. Ms. Messano was my son's 2nd grade teacher in 2022, and we cherish the beautiful memories of Ms. Messano. She had especially opened my child's eyes towards the wonders and appreciation of nature. She was a precious gem of a teacher who graciously displayed empathy and kindness with a sense of humor in her classroom. For now, we say good-bye to Ms. Messano with love. Sincerely, The Tseung Family
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In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Olivia Liu & family lit a candle

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Jurgita lit a candle

Ms. Messano was very kind, fun and is the best teacher ever. I miss her so much and I miss her calling us her young scholars. Sent with so much love.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Donna Messano . Plant a Tree

Our little scholar always knew how much she loved nature. On her walks home from school, she would pick an acorn here, a twig there always remembering

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Donna Messano . Plant a Tree

With heartfelt condolences… she was a Leader of the Scholars, anyone who had cross her path knew what an earthy kind being she was. May the memories of her life bring comfort and peace to everyone during this difficult time.

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Donna and Kevin Patterson lit a candle

What a radiant soul! Ms Messano is as leaven, expanding her students' capacity to become animating forces through which arts and wonders of the world become manifest. Recalling Ms Messano's enthusiasm and exuberance will always makes us smile! :)
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Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We were former students and will miss you! You were one of our favorite teachers.

I am so saddened to hear about Donna. Prayers and Love to Laura and Michael.

Your passion for teaching and your dedication to your students was obvious in everything you did! My husband and I feel so lucky that both our daughters had you as their 2nd grade teacher. Thank you so much for helping our girls grow. You brought such positive energy to the classroom and on those school trips! Your kindness to my mom, father and mother in law made us all feel fortunate to be part of the PS174 family. You will always be in our hearts – rest in peace!!
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Donna was a light that brought peace and love. She will be deeply missed by me and so many others. May she rest in peace. My hope is that her families memories help them through this time. Peace ✌️

I am so lucky to have worked with you for so many years. We bonded immediately and shared so many laughs and personal experiences. You are one of a kind. I will miss you so much! Love your wine 🍷 loving friend! Stacey

I am so sorry for your loss. Jack

My sincerest condolances on the loss of your sister...

Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved sister.

Donna, my birthday buddy, I will miss you and your smiling face. Rest in peace.

Dear Laura and Michael: We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden passing of your beloved sister. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. It was a privilege to see Donna at Rosemarie’s Memorial and share quality time with her. We had many laughs together reminiscing about growing up in Massapequa. We are all thinking of you during this difficult time and may your sister’s memory bring you solace and peace. “With deepest sympathy” – The Kopicki Family – Pat, Tom, Erin, Mike, and Rhys

My deepest condolonces to Donna's siblings Laura and Michael. May my sweet friend Donna rest in peace. Much love.

I always believed there are angels in heaven and now I know for sure. I see you Donna and I still feel your kindness and your sweetness.I still cannot believe you are gone from us. You will live on in my heart and my thoughts.🤍🤍

Eulogy for Donna Messano, May 2024 It’s on this very, very sad occasion that I’d like to honor Donna Messano, a dear colleague and friend and devoted teacher, by sharing just a few memories! The theory goes, “Don’t dwell on the loss, but rather on the blessing of having known and enjoyed the life!” … and I do feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to have Dona be part of my life. In fact, Donna influenced so many, many children, most likely completely unaware, that my young First Graders would look forward excitedly to “graduating” to Ms. Messano’s Second Grader G&T class (on the Second floor!) It was last fall, early one morning at 7:00AM, that I saw Donna for the last time. She was parking her car on the school side just as I was getting into my car across the street, on my way to Westchester to babysit with my grandchildren. On seeing me, she ran across the street, as I screamed at her to be careful of oncoming traffic. We spontaneously gave each other a warm hug, and she told me that she'd arrived so early because she had lots of planning to do. I wished her good luck in the coming year with her gifted class, we blew each other kisses, and the day began with smiles! I’ll now cherish that morning forever! Donna thoroughly enjoyed teaching, and always looked forward to sharing her knowledge and inspirational stories about so many topics, especially about the life and times of Leonardo da Vinci, the brilliant Renaissance artist, sculptor, scientist, engineer and inventor, best known for painting the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. Though da Vinci never had children himself, he had 22 half-siblings, and a slew of nieces and nephews. He died in France of a sudden stroke on May 2, 1519, at the age of 67, just over 500 years ago, and his works and achievements, many of which he himself admitted to never being able to finish, are studied and enjoyed even today, at schools all around the world. I remember one year, when I was encouraging classes to prepare projects for our Science Fair, on entering Donna’s classroom I found her students involved in the study of the da Vinci bridge. So I put aside my plan for the day and joined Donna in working with groups who were attempting to apply da Vinci’s bridge design to their own constructions, using toothpicks and popsicle sticks (the only thing missing were the marshmallows!). Da Vinci’s self-supportive bridge design would have actually become the longest known bridge at the time, interesting enough using thousands of scaffolding stones for support, without any mortar, but just depending on geometry and compression and its flattened arch to withstand earthquakes and be able to allow sailboats to pass underneath. The ultimate moral for Donnas’ students became that, “You don’t need fancy technology to come up with the best ideas!” What a great lesson for Second Graders! So, with these beautiful memories of Donna’s devotion to teaching, yes, we were truly blessed to have Donna in our lives... and, just maybe, the next time we tune in to an especially creative idea on Shark Tank, or see a child’s project about da Vinci, we can glance upwards and feel Donna’s warm smile shining down, illuminated with her ever-changing holiday earrings, encouraging us to continue inspiring lifelong learners in a journey she didn’t get time to finish herself. Donna, we miss you... we Love you... we’ll always remember you! … Rest in Peace, Donna. Marilyn Friedman, P.S.174Q teacher

Laura please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your sister.

Please accept my condolences.

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Janet Nix lit a candle

Dear Laura and Michael. I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s unexpected passing. She was a warm and friendly person with so many positive qualities and accomplishments. The obituary for Donna was so beautifully written and shows how close you all were and how much she was loved. I wish you comfort in this time of sadness and loss. Sincerely, Janet Nix and Family

May Donna Marie's memory be a blessing to her family and all who knew and loved her.

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Yirui Guo lit a candle

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Donovan Tang lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Sebastian Tang lit a candle

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Debra Hoffman lit a candle

My sincere condolences on the passing of beautiful Donna- I will always remember her for her joy and positivity- and the roasted chestnuts.

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Hong Liu lit a candle

I love Donna with my whole heart, and there’s a fair that she was taken from this world, but she was also way too good for this world as well her spirit her love her for always live on withon all of us and anyone who has matter they didn’t know it at the time, but their lives were forever changed her, I will always be grateful for everything moment spent with her and of course now wish for more . I love you aunt Donna may you rest in peace and forever in our hearts

Sand under her feet, sun on her shoulders, surf lapping Shells in her hand, smile on her face, breeze blowing Kindness, love and friendship Always With all my love, Jan

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Rocco Chen & family lit a candle

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Lucas Fan (4-205) lit a candle

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Benjamin Chen lit a candle

In memory of Donna Marie Messano, Kim Aquilia lit a candle

My deepest condolences. Sending love and prayers during this very difficult time.

The words that come to mind, when I think of Donna, are warm, caring, hardworking, dedicated, insightful, funny & strong. She always managed to make time for others. I’m so heartbroken by the news of her passing. We share a birthday & would laugh together about what a big deal we made about properly celebrating it each year. Donna I will hold you in my heart until we meet again. Please accept my sincere condolences. Mary
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Ms. Messano, I remember working with Donna. She was always telling me how smart I was or how much she liked my outfits. She always went out of her way to make a positive compliment to any of the woman at the school. Donna was so light hearted. She will be missed. Rest Peacefully ✌🏽 to Ms Messano. ✌🏽her favorite gesture in which she always showed!

Donna, my buddy, I love and miss you more than words can say. I will cherish our memories. I was lucky to have known you and developed a loving friendship. You are always in my heart. I am glad you are no longer suffering and in a better place. You were an inspiration to me and so many others. I love you with all my heart!
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You will missed so much!

My condolences on the passing of dear Donna. I remember the strength , beautiful spirit , and wonderful colleague . I remember the hard working woman who dedicated her life to all her children . May Donna rest in peace now and forever 🙏🏼

I will miss you my dear friend. My heart and my brain are having such a hard time believing this. You were one of the best people - funny, warm, caring, and so easy to talk to. I will forever treasure our many, many talks. We've shared many laughs and many tears over the years. I love you Donna. I know you are in a better place. I know you don't hurt anymore. May you rest in the sweetest peace my friend. I will miss you forever.

I was extremely heartbroken to hear the news of Donna‘s passing when I was contacted last Saturday, five days after she had left this world. She was my first real girlfriend, my high school sweetheart, and although we came across many obstacles, we continued to be friends for all these years. it hurts to know that I won’t be able to contact her again while living in this world but I believe we will see each other again and I so look forward to that day. Condolences to her sweet sister Laura and brother Michael. I called last week, but wasn’t able to reach either of you. I pray God‘s comfort and healing be with you both as long as you shall live. Love, Jimmy

Ms. Messano was a very devoted teacher who cared deeply for all her students. She was a special and an integral staff member at PS 174. She had a smile that lit up a room and her presence will be greatly missed.

Donna was a beautiful person. She will be deeply missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.