Giovanna A. Donato

On October 19, 2025 our devoted mother, Giovanna Donato (Di Francesca), passed away surrounded in love with her family at her side. She leaves a void in the hearts of many, especially her family. Giovanna’s life was a beautiful portrait painted with love, resilience, dedication, and laughter, and her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Giovanna was proceeded in death by the love of her life, Giacomo Di Francesca, and her first daughter, Giuseppina (Forte), wife of Stephen Tepper. Giovanna is survived by her other three daughters, Giovanna and her husband Stephen Alosa, Angela and her husband Matthew Brooks, and Salvatrice Zinna and her boyfriend Robert Nawrocki. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Antonio and Emily Forte, Gabriella Forte, Colin Brooks and Ryan Morrison, Tristan and Julie Brooks, Marie Alosa, and Giulia Zinna.Giovanna was also a great-grandmother to Giovanni Brooks and Dominic Forte.

Giovanna was a strong and courageous woman. Over the years, she worked hard to provide for her family, not retiring until 2020 at the age of 76. However, her most cherished role was that of being a mother. Giovanna enjoyed hosting family holidays, cooking, baking, and carrying on Italian traditions, which she passed down to her children. Giovanna also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening and spending time with her cats. She always put the needs of her family first and instilled in them the importance of family and staying close to one another. Her family finds comfort in knowing her loving spirit will continue to inspire them.

Family and friends will honor and celebrate Giovanna Donato’s life at Schimunek Funeral Home, Inc., 9705 Belair Road, Nottingham, MD 21236, on Wednesday, October 22nd from 6-9pm and Thursday, October 23rd from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 24th at 10am at St. Mark’s Church – Fallston, 2407 Laurel Brook Rd., Fallston MD 21047. Burial services at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 4430 Belair Road, Baltimore, MD 21206.