Obituary of Donna L. Augustine

Donna L. Augustine GENEVA- Donna L. Augustine, 64, passed away peacefully on Mon. (July 18, 2016), at Strong Memorial Hospital with her loving family and dear friends by her side. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thurs. (July 21), at the Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home LLC, 28 Genesee St. Geneva. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Fri. (July 22), at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Geneva. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Contributions may be directed to St. Francis-St. Stephen's Catholic School, 17 Elmwood Ave. Geneva, NY, or Our Lady of Peace Parish, 130 Exchange St. Geneva, NY 14456. Donna was born on August 24, 1951 and was a daughter of the late Peter and Madeline (Marro) DeMaria. She was a member of the 1969 graduating class of DeSales Catholic High School. Donna furthered her education after high school and received both her undergraduate and Master's Degree in Speech Pathology from Nazareth College. She was employed as a speech pathologist for the Seneca Cayuga ARC for over 27 years. In addition, Donna also worked at Peebles for 13 years. She advocated for children and adults with special needs and was a very motivated, sensitive and dedicated professional of high integrity who persevered equally with all of her students and clients. In 2001, Donna co-authored a book about grief and bereavement titled, "Mae's Marbles: Reflections of the Child Within." She was a very devoted Catholic and was a communicant of St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Geneva. Donna enjoyed cooking for her family and friends (especially known for her cheesecake, lasagna and wedding cookies), walking with friends, traveling to Europe with her daughter, eating sweets, Neil Diamond, Downton Abbey, spending time with her loving family and friends and playing with her grandchildren. She is survived by her son, John (Brandy) Augustine of Marietta, GA; daughter, Elana Augustine of Rochester; brother, Thomas (Mary) DeMaria of Geneva; sisters, Mary Lee (Michael) Wooden of Atlanta, GA and Barbara (David) Stahura of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Charlotte and Tessa Augustine; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and special life-long friends. Donna was predeceased by her mother, Madeline and father, Peter; husband, Vincent J. Augustine; father-in-law, John J. Augustine and several aunts and uncles.