- age 88, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, in Chuluota, Florida. Born January 29, 1937, in Buffalo, New York, Donna lived a life marked by dedication to family, hard work, and a deep well of kindness that touched all who knew her.
Donna graduated from Clarence High School in 1954 and later built a career in the hospitality industry. Her professional life included roles at the Syracuse Restaurant in Amherst, New York; the Friars Table Restaurant in Cheektowaga, New York; and the Harley Hotels in both Sarasota, Florida and Lexington, Kentucky. Through her work, she brought warmth and care to countless guests and colleagues alike.
A truly generous, considerate, dedicated, and loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Donna was admired for her grace, humor, and resilience. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel like family—so much so that many were honored with the cherished title of FOF (Friend of the Family) for life.
In retirement, Donna made her home in Holiday, Florida with her partner Richard Muchow—a dear friend and former classmate from Clarence High School. Together they shared companionship and joy during their later years. Donna especially loved vacationing on cruise ships but found her greatest happiness in hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings for her large family. She was the steady hand of benevolence and leadership when it was needed most.
Donna’s legacy lives on through her children with Thomas E. Shupe: Mark and his wife Amy; Michael; Matthew; Mary Alice and her husband Don; Thomas Jr. and his wife Lisa; and Eric and his wife Lucy. She was a proud grandmother to Alyson and Eric (children of Mark and Amy); Angel (daughter of Michael and Madonna); Ian (son of Michael and Kathy); Matthew Jr. (son of Matthew and Kim); Paige (daughter of Matthew and Linda); Brianna and Lucas King (children of Mary Alice and Don); Ashleigh and Lindsey (daughters of Thomas Jr. and Leigh); Zachary (son of Thomas Jr. and Lisa); and Donna (daughter of Eric Christian and Jeannie).
Her love extended to her great-grandchildren: Jackson, Elijah, and Laurelee Sanchez (children of Brianna and Michael), Olivia (daughter of Ian Shupe); Aria (daughter of Eric Douglas and Sarah); Adalynn King (daughter of Lucas and Samantha);
She was preceded in death by her parents Donald Frederick Booker and Alice Beatrice Booker; her brother Donald Booker, Jr; and her sister Roberta Jean Booker.
Donna’s memory will be treasured by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her unwavering love for family gatherings, her welcoming spirit that embraced friends as kin, and the strength she offered during life’s challenges will remain an enduring inspiration.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her. A Graveside Service will be held on November 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Clarence Fillmore Cemetery 4715 Ransom Road, Clarence, New York. In lieu of flowers, Donna requests donations to Hillsdale College, Wounded Warrior Project, Gary Sinise Foundation, Reagan Ranch or National Rifle Association.
