Donna was born on August 16, 1941 and in Monroe, CT to her parents Daniel R. Johnson and Elizabeth Benedict Johnson. She is survived by her loving sister, Linda L. Karolczuk, her niece Tracy Karolczuk and her nephew, Stephen Karolczuk, who was her caregiver for the past few years, many cousins, great neighbors and friends.
Donna loved every animal she encountered and loved to feed the birds and animals- she always said she loved animals more than people. She loved birthdays and would celebrate for a week. She loved Christmas and would put so much love into each gift. Donna had a special dog, Tinker, who never left her side and she adopted many cats over the years that she cared for greatly.
Donna was a beautiful woman with a big smile and a kind heart. She spent her youth living across from the Stepney Green, and served as one of the Rainbow Girls in Monroe. She went to Bassic High in Bridgeport, and was named Miss Monroe. She married Russel Denby, and they owned Denby’s Tobacco in the Trumbull Mall. She went to Norwich Academy of Art where she acquired a degree in interior decorating. Her smile warmed the room and had a way of bringing the party together. She loved beaches, going on cruises and to travel. She enjoyed good food, but was happy with a burger. There was nothing that she would not do for family, a friend, or an animal in need. She is missed so much.
Friends and family are invited to visitation on Thursday, January 15th, 11am - 1pm at Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT. A funeral service will begin at the funeral home at 1pm, and conclude at Mountain Grove Cemetery, Harvester Road, Easton, CT.
