Dona Anne Swinamer

Dona A. Swinamer of Sagamore Beach, MA; passed away peacefully on December28 , 2022 surrounded by family and friends after a period of failing health. She was born May 18, 1950 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to her late parents Donald and Anne Lonergan. Dona and her family lived in Mamaroneck, NY for many years where her father was an educator. The family moved to Bourne in 1968 where she graduated from Bourne High School the same year. After graduating from Westfield State College in 1972, Dona followed in her father’s footsteps. She became an educator, substitute teaching for a year and then taught 1st and 2nd grade at the Ethel E. Hammond School in Wareham for 31 years. She loved her students and school family and continued to maintain contact with them throughout her life.

Dona married her husband Stephen in 1976 and her passion in life was spending time with Steve and her family. The oldest of 11 siblings she was the consummate wife, sister, auntie, friend and role model to everyone. She loved to entertain and always remembered your birthday or special event, and she loved to attend your sporting event, recital, etc. Even though she had so many family members and friends, she always made it about you and it was your day.

Camping and cooking were two of her favorite pastimes and she embraced the many families in her new circle of friends, looking forward to the camping trips each year to Plymouth or Maine. We will miss those appetizers but will carry on the tradition!

In recent years Dona joined the YMCA in Wareham and immediately had another family of friends. Many thanks to them for their friendship and fellowship. She loved you all!

Dona was predeceased by her parents Donald and Anne Lonergan, brother Don Lonergan , sister in-law Sherry Lonergan, niece Kate Lonergan and father in-law Roland Swinamer. She is survived by her husband Stephen of Sagamore Beach and her mother in-law Shirley Swinamer of Rockland MA, siblings Debra Lonergan Sullivan and husband Paul, sister-in-law MaryLou, Dana Lonergan and wife Deborah, David Lonergan, Darin Lonergan and wife Laura, Denis Lonergan and wife Jeanne, Denise Lonergan and wife Melissa, Dori Kais and Bill Haetinger, Donel Beals and husband Stephen, Drew Lonergan and Shannon Ethier. Dona is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces who she loved dearly, as well as a multitude of wonderful friends that felt like family and supported her over the years.

Thank you to the many health professionals and specialists who supported her and provided compassionate care for many years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday January 6, 2023 at 10am, St. Margaret’s Parish, 141 Main St. Buzzards Bay, MA. Burial is private. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday January 5th from 4-8pm, Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd. Bourne, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dona’s memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute or the Bourne Food Pantry.

For directions & online condolences please visit www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com.