Donna R. Paradiso

December 9, 2018

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Donna Rae Paradiso on December 9, 2018. Family, fidelity, devoted children and a committed, caring, loving husband of forty nine years provided her a path to her journey to the Garden of Paradise by way of Via Paradiso. Donna was born in Stafford Springs, CT on October 17, 1943, the daughter of the late Woodrow Pitkat and Hazel (Jacobsen) Pitkat. Donna was a life long resident of Stafford and was educated in the Stafford School System. Upon completion of her schooling, she chose employment in the office and secretarial field and while so employed, she made the acquaintance of Joe, who later would become her beloved husband of 49 years. Once married, the meaning of life would be focused on family and she was the consummate stay at home Mom. Attendance at school functions, meetings and activities were a must. No basketball games were missed regardless of the distance to travel, but more importantly was her attention and persistence in obtaining the proper programs for those who needed special help. Her cooking skills were expanded and her baking raised. Small and large family gatherings were welcome, and traditional meals were weekly; thanks to an impeccable hostess. One child wished to become an entrepreneur by owning a hot dog truck. The truck was purchased, but help was greatly needed so Donna took over and the truck was ready. Then Donna drove the truck, put on an apron and did everything for the entrepreneur except run the register! The truck was called Chez Jo-Jo. With children grown, Donna was ready to begin the employment she desired. She turned to retail sales and a satisfying career in the shoe business. Because of her desire to satisfy, she was able to manage several shoe stores successfully before retiring. Donna was a person of tremendous faith. Her faith gave her strength, courage and the will to endure, succeed and survive. Donna was stricken with cancer on three separate occasions and heart surgery. On each occasion, she was guided and helped to recover by prayer, faith in God and assistance from Father Ray Introvigne of The Spiritual Renewal Services of Norwich. Although the pain was plentiful, the radiation and chemo sickening and debilitating, Donna was not a person to complain. She wished to endure for her family who needed her guidance and love. When Mass attendance was not an option any longer, she watched Mass each day on T.V. Donna enjoyed the good fortune of having a vacation home at Watch Hill, a home that took years to build because of zoning issues, but faith said to persevere and the “little house” is a dream house. A place of fun, sun, family, food and friends. Donna had a passion for the beach which was life-long. It started in Misquamicut and ended in Watch Hill. The winter water was never too cold and the summer sun was never too hot. The sun and water brought a sparkle to her blue eyes that will never dim. She was a wonderful woman. Besides her husband, Joe, she leaves behind to mourn, her son, Joseph Paradiso (Yuki) of New York, her son Christopher Paradiso (Mary Alice) of Stafford, CT, her special daughter Rachel Paradiso of Manchester, CT, and her devoted dog, Tony, her twin grandchildren, Gianni and Mia Paradiso, her brother Woodrow Pitkat of Stafford, CT, brother Francis Pitkat of Florida, nephews, Joseph Grace (Robin) of Tampa, FL, Nicholas Oliveri (Joan) of Wethersfield, CT, Larry McKinney (Ann Marie) of Stafford, CT, John Oliveri (Lisa) of Sanibel, FL, nieces Sally Tyler of Venice, FL, Nancy MacDonald (David) of South Carolina, Rachele Lorenson (Robert) of Vernon, CT, Marylee Gordon (Robert) of New York City, Marteen Bochicchio (Anthony) of Watertown, CT and sister-in-law, Kim Fleury of Stafford, CT. Donna was predeceased by four sisters-in-law, Mary Paquin, Josephine Oliveri, Beatrice Grace and Antoinette Zahner who were the “sisters” she had always wished to have. Donna quietly, graciously and quickly adopted their Italian Heritage. Her funeral will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2018, with a procession forming by 10 A.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. at St. Edward Church, 55 High St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will follow in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT. Calling hours are on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 from 4-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Journey Found, 60 Hilliard St., Manchester, CT 06042. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com