Donna Marie Desiderio

After a long and courageous fight with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, Donna M. Desiderio is now at peace, passing on October 3, 2021. Donna was fearless in her battle, facing every struggle with a smile and a sense of humor, continuing to express her love for her family and faithful friends.

The oldest daughter of Basil (Tony) Desiderio and the late Karla Richardson Desiderio, Donna graduated from Crestwood High School and Luzerne County Community College. For 27 years, she was employed as an Administrative Assistant at First Hospital. 

Donna loved simple things: her home and pets, Potenza, Indie and Lacha, hiking and travel, the Atlanta Braves and the tiny mementos she discovered in unlikely places. However, it was her cherished circle of friends and family that she loved the most. Donna was a  warm and gracious woman who possessed a unique mix of good humor, kindness and joy that encouraged people to engage with her. Although she did not have her own children, becoming an aunt to her niece and nephew, Elena and Jack, was one of the most meaningful moments of her life. Her family and her many friends will miss her more than words can express, but also know that her memory will be a blessing carried for a lifetime. 

Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Karla, two infant brothers, grandparents, Joseph and Antoinette Desiderio, James and Lillian Richardson, uncle Frank Trybulski and cousin Francis Trybulski. She is survived by her father and primary caregiver, Tony and his wife Mary Ann, sister, Laura Berti, and beloved niece and nephew, Elena and Jack Berti. Donna will also be missed by her longtime partner, Mark Jamieson, aunts and uncles Karen Wickkiser, Madeline Trybulski, Jim and Glenn Richardson as well as many cousins. She also leaves behind her closest friends, Robin Crawford, Tina Carpinello, Maria Merlie and Louann Haydock, all of whom were by her side throughout her illness. 

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 5:00 pm from the Desiderio-Lehman Funeral and Cremation, 436 S. Mountain Blvd. Mountain Top with interment following in Albert Cemetery, Mountain Top.

Friends are invited to join the family for a visitation from 3 to 5 pm at the funeral home.

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