Obituary of Donna Eileen Molinari

Donna E. Molinari, a woman who was known for a smile that would light up a room and a laugh that could be heard in any crowd, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Tuesday night, May 10, 2016. She was 69 years old and had been a resident of Burlington for 41 years. Donna was born in Somerville, the daughter of the late Joseph and Rita Mannke. She grew up in Everett and was a 1964 graduate of Everett High School. She had wonderful memories growing up in Everett and truly enjoyed seeing all her classmates at their 50th reunion a few years ago. Donna had spent much of her working career as a secretary. She had worked at Kitchen & Kutchen, Polaroid, and retired from Dynamic Sales. When she worked at Polaroid, she was asked to model for a number of their advertisements and brochures. After her retirement, she volunteered at The Burlington Food Pantry, Council on Aging, and Heartbeat Pregnancy Help Center all in Burlington. She was a regular donating blood to the American Red Cross. She was a founding member of the Burlington High School Post Grad Committee, working with fellow parents to protect high school seniors on graduation night by hosting the “All Night Party.” Everyone who knew her was enveloped by her bright disposition, fun sense of life, and selfless nature. Donna’s family was the center of her universe beginning with her husband Jim with whom she shared 47 years of marriage. Donna and Jim enjoyed raising their children and later being grandparents; going out to eat as a couple, family, or with friends; and traveling all over the United States and the world. Some of their favorite destinations were Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Europe. She was a supportive, caring, and loving mother to her three children. She was there for their first days of school, their involvement in sports, college, weddings, and then becoming parents themselves. When the grandchildren came around, she became the “Indulging Nana.” She loved holding them as babies, reading to them as infants, spoiling them as children with affection, treats, and her famous five dollars bills, which often came out of her husband Jim’s wallet. As the grandchildren grew older, she and Jim took the entire family on special vacations including a Dude Ranch, cruise to Bermuda, and a trip to Disney. Her love and support for her family was unconditional, always expressed, and will never be forgotten. Donna was the loving wife of James F. Molinari. She was the loving mother of James J. Molinari & his wife Renee of Chelmsford, Robyn Brothers-Nasrah & her husband Andre Nasrah of Billerica, and Debra Tenenbaum & her husband Andrew of Portland, ME. She was the sister of Joseph Mannke of Myakka City, FL and the late Paul Mannke of Stoneham. Donna was the proud Nana of Camryn Brothers, Alex & Chloe Molinari, and Eliot & Harper Tenenbaum. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Saturday, May 14 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St., Margaret’s Church at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Donna’s name may be made to Heartbeat, 113 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803 or the Burlington Food Pantry C/O People Helping People PO Box 463 Burlington MA 01803.