Donna L. (Manke) Gusmerotti

A Mass of Christian Burial for Donna L. (Manke) Gusmerotti, age 82 of Ogdensburg will be held on Thursday (April 25, 2019) at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Rev. Kevin O’Brien and Rev. Joseph Morgan officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 2:00-4:00pm & 6:00-8:00pm at the Fox & Murray Funeral Home. Mrs. Gusmerotti passed away at the St. Joseph’s Home on Saturday morning (April 20, 2019) surrounded by her loving family.

Surviving is her husband Joseph Gusmerotti of Ogdensburg; six sons Gregory (Brenda) Manke of Northridge CA, Kevin (Maureen) Manke of Ogdensburg, Jeffrey (Meg) Manke of Cicero NY, Andy (Karlyen) Manke of Ogdensburg, Christopher (Maureen) Manke of Skaneateles NY and Bryan (Tara) Manke of Boston MA; a daughter Geralyn (Victor) Lenzi of Peoria, IL; five step children Kathleen, Joseph, Steven and Daniel Gusmerotti and Christine Els; two sisters Barbara (Tom) McCarthy of Tupper Lake NY and Bridget (William) Cranford of Brighton CO; 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A brother, Richard LaRock, and his wife and Donna’s dear friend, Shirley, predeceased her.

Donna was born on July 26, 1936 in Ogdensburg NY, a daughter of the late Henry & Monica (Roche) LaRock. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and continued her education at D’Youville College where she earned her registered nursing degree. Donna was predeceased by her husbands, Paul Manke, whom she married in 1958 and was father to her seven children, and Orville “Bud” Miller Jr. On July 8, 1999 Donna married Joseph Gusmerotti of Deer Park. The couple spent the past 20 years traveling extensively, spending time with their large families, and living life to the fullest.

During Donna’s nursing career she worked at the Buffalo Children’s Hospital, Ogdensburg BOCES, Hepburn Hospital and the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center. She retired in 1997.

Donna relished exploring garage sales and shopping, and nothing brought her greater joy than finding “a fantastic bargain” that would bring pleasure to a loved one. She also enjoyed trips to the casino and knitting special items for family. Donna was also admired for being fashion forward and could often be seen at special occasions with a stylish hat. Her best accessory was always her smile and her laughter.

For those who knew Donna, she was loved for her sharp wit and ready smile as well as her outgoing and positive personality. Donna embraced her faith, family, friends, and the simple pleasures in life. Donna often quietly said Novenas for family and friends in need. She was a loving wife and devoted mother and grandmother. Family was everything to her.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Cathedral, 415 Hamilton St., Ogdensburg, NY 13669. Condolences and fond memories can also be shared at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com