Donna Francis O’Brien Morrow died on Thursday, December 12, 2024, leaving behind a host of immediate family successors including daughters Madonna Smyth and Vicky Hodges (George), sons Brian (Carolyn), Mark (Lee), Dennis (Natasha), and Timothy (Brenda) as well as 23 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren. Her beloved husband of more than 63 years, Murray, and her sons, Daniel, Murray III (Mickey), and Thomas preceded her in passing. Each of her siblings preceded her in death but left her with many beloved nieces and nephews as well.
Donna was half of a Murray/Donna dynamic duo involved in many facets of life in Batavia where each was born. In addition to supporting Murray’s photography business Donna was active in professional organizations like Zonta in which she was chosen Zontian of the year, and she represented this region as a delegate to an international gathering of the Zonta organization in New Zealand promoting women’s rights. She was a member and public relations officer for the National Active and Retired Federal Employees of Batavia. In service to the community Donna was a member of the St. Jerome Hospital Guild where she faithfully worked in the hospital gift shop, a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, a member of the Ladies of Charity, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and a member of the Christian Women’s Association. She took part in activities supporting parent activities at St. Joseph School and served for a time as a Girl Scout leader and thoroughly enjoyed her luncheons with the Red Hat Society. Having a solid group of children, grandchildren and assorted young relatives available along with family accompanists, she scheduled entertainment nights at nursing homes with the young troubadours making music for the residents. Lest we forget, somewhere in her 96 years Donna also found time to work for the Social Security Administration for 23 years.
Donna Morrow was a wonderful mother (a soft for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren), a supportive colleague, and a steadfast friend throughout her life. Even in her senior years she remained a source of strength and wisdom for all ages of people. The loss of the family matriarch creates a vacuum. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Family and friends are invited to call on Monday December 16, 2024 from 3:00-6:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday December 17th at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St. in Batavia. Mrs. Morrow will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jerome’s Guild 16 Bank St. in Batavia or Zonta Club of Batavia PO Box 1475 Batavia, NY 14021. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.
