Donna Chamberlain, 69, passed away peacefully, Saturday morning, January 24, in the comfort of her home in Burlington, with her beloved son by her side.

Born in Arlington, Donna was the daughter of the late Charles R. Chamberlain and Barbara Mae (Chaplin) Chamberlain. She was a proud graduate of Burlington High School, Class of 1974, and went on to build a career marked by dedication and reliability. For many years, Donna was employed as an administrator at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington.

Outside of her professional life, Donna had a passion for uncovering stories of the past. She delighted in researching genealogy, not only her own family history, but that of extended family members and anyone who asked for her help. She found joy in connecting people to their roots and took pride in preserving family stories that might otherwise have been lost to time.

Donna was also gifted with her hands. She loved to knit and quilt, pouring care and intention into every stitch, especially when creating pieces for her cherished Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church family in Winchester. Her faith and church community were important pillars in her life.

She was an active and devoted member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, proudly serving as a past Regent of the Colonel Timothy Pickering chapter in Salem, MA. Her involvement reflected her deep respect for history, service, and lineage, values she lived out daily.

Those who first met Donna might remember her strong, no-nonsense exterior, but those fortunate enough to truly know her understood that beneath it was a deeply kind, generous, and loving heart. Once that outer layer melted away, Donna’s warmth, loyalty, and quiet humor shone brightly.

Above all else, Donna was a devoted mother. She was unwavering in her support of her son, never missing a game, activity, or milestone. When he married, she embraced her daughter-in-law, celebrating her accomplishments with the same pride and enthusiasm as she did her son’s. Donna’s love was steady, fierce, and unconditional.

A natural caregiver, Donna spent much of her life putting others first, caring for her mother as her health declined, and always stepping in wherever help was required. Her presence was a constant source of strength and reassurance to those around her.

She is survived by her son, John Nichols and his wife Larissa Sasgen of Burlington, a sister, Jodi Oberto and her husband John of Milton, NH, two nieces, Olivia Oberto of Derry, NH and Abigail Currie of Sanford, ME, as well as countless cousins and friends.

At her request, all funeral arrangements will be private with interment taking place in Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home 43 Winn St. Burlington, MA 01803