Donna Esposito Hughes

Donna (Esposito) Hughes, 63, of Rocky Hill, formerly of Wethersfield, beloved wife of R. Jeffrey Hughes, passed away peacefully on Saturday January 6, 2018 at Hartford Hospital surrounded by her family. Born in the Bronx, NY, she was the daughter of Anne (Mastrangelo) Esposito of Rocky Hill and the late Raymond Esposito. Donna graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy and St. Joseph’s College both in West Hartford and later received her Master’s degree in Psychology and Special Education from the University of Hartford. She was a true philanthropist and made it her life’s work to help others. Among the charities and causes that Donna supported are the Raynbow Foundation to benefit juvenile diabetes, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Hartford Hospital and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center that were touched by Donna’s tireless efforts and generosity. Donna was especially devoted to the Raynbow Foundation which was founded by her late brother. Donna organized numerous events, especially an annual golf tournament to help raise funds for the foundation. Donna was a wonderful hostess, opening her home to friends and family and always making the day a wonderful celebration for all those who attended. She will always be remembered for her kindness. Donna was a truly devoted wife and mother, in addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by her beloved son, Matthew J. Hughes of Rocky Hill, her nephew, Raymond Paul Esposito and his wife Samantha of Wethersfield, her niece Marisa Anne Sullivan and her husband, Brian of Simsbury, her aunt, Nancy Capenera of Rocky Hill, sisters-in-law, Bobbie Granato and her husband Mark of Wethersfield and their sons Jack and his wife Andréa and Jay Granato, Kathy Certuse and her husband Lou of Mansfield, MA, and their children; Craig and his wife Danielle, Brett, Kayla Folsom and her husband John and Grant and his wife Victoria, her cousin Ralph Capenera and his wife Barbara of Rocky Hill along with many extended family members and friends. Besides her father she was predeceased by her brother, Neil R. Esposito. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St. Wethersfield. Everyone is asked to please go directly to church. Entombment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, 80 Seymour St. P.O. Box 5037, Hartford 06102-5037. Donna’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Doctors and Staff at the Jefferson House and Hartford Hospital for their tireless devotion to her comfort and care. For on-line expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.