Donna E. Gavula

16, 2026. Donna was preceded in death by many beloved family members and friends, including her devoted husband, Bill Gavula, who no doubt anxiously awaited her arrival. She was also preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Karen Antonello; her grandson, Jordan; and her granddaughter, Adrienne.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her children, Eileen Coleman (Steve), Nicole Zawerton Wood (Jim), Todd DeLisle (Summer), Joan Gavula (Harry Fox), David Gavula (Suzi), and Deborah Tittsworth.

Donna was a proud and devoted grandmother to 17 grandchildren: Kristen Stone (Sam), Ash Zawerton (Lydia), Abbey Weaver

(James), Chandler Stone, Braden DeLisle (Holley), Joelle DeLisle (John Michael), Logan DeLisle, Taylor Dudinyak (Ricky), Matthew

Saroka, Jeremy Follet, Danielle Follet, Joel Ryan (Arielle), Keith Gavula (Tara), Brittany Drury (Bryan), Jason Gavula, Melissa Mendolia (Salvatore), and Michael Antonello (Maria).

One of Donna's greatest joys was watching her family continue to grow. She was blessed with great-grandchildren Malcolm, Ranger, Louie, Vivian, Salvatore, Angelo, Anthony, Bella, Mackenzie, Olivia, Jaden, Nakia, Natalie and Maddox, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness to her life. Though she is no longer with us, her love and spirit will continue to guide them from above.

Donna lived a life defined by kindness, service, and unwavering faith. She was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, a dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteer, and a passionate advocate through Actions for Older Persons, where she lent her voice to those who needed support and compassion. Those who knew Donna, knew she possessed one of the kindest hearts

imaginable, a true earth angel, while also being a whirlwind of energy and determination. She was truly a force of nature. Whether she was cheering on her grandsons at football, baseball, and soccer games, visiting family in Ohio, spending time with her daughter’s animals at the sanctuary, tending her garden, or mowing her lawn, Donna was always on the move. As she often demonstrated, to stop moving was to stop living.

The family will receive friends at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1049 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 10-11 am with a funeral mass at 11 am. A private burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join in celebrating her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, Donna would have loved for you to pay it forward. Even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone's day and make a difference in the world.

Our hearts are broken, and life will never be quite the same without her. Yet we find comfort in her own words:

"My work here is done. I am needed elsewhere. Remember our purpose on earth is to know God and do His work."