Mrs. Emily Donata Colonna

Emily was born in Poland in 1935 and lived there during the occupation by the Germans and the Russians. Her father was one of 20,000 elite who was massacred by the Russians and buried in a common grave in the Forest of Katyn. She moved to the United States at the age of 14 in 1949 and was reunited with her mother. In 1952 Emily and Frank were married in Cleveland OH and enjoyed 71 years together. During her years living in Schaumburg IL, she worked as a jeweler. She dearly loved her husband, three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Emily was a devoted Christian and dedicated herself to her entire family.

Emily is preceded in death by her parents, Franciszaka Lopatniuk and Eleanor (nee Superson) and her step father, Walt Walters; her brother, Walt (Dolly) Walters, and her brother, Arthur Walters.

Surviving is her husband of 71 years, Frank J. Colonna; Sons, Chris (Ingrid) Colonna, Mark (Susan) Colonna, and daughter, Desiree (Joe Krupa) Colonna; Grandchildren, Kyle (Hillary) Colonna, Allison Colonna, Krista (Earl) Sanders, Brandon Colonna, Emily Scales, and Ashlee Scales. Three Great-Grandchildren; Genevieve, Ashton, and Aylah also survive.

Emily is survived by siblings, Lori (Tony) Noga, Maryann Toth and husband Lee (Deceased), Jane Colonna and her husband Nick (Deceased); Brother-in-law Adam Katala and Shirley (Deceased). Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Emily enjoyed bowling, traveling, cooking/baking, and cruising. She was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed biographies.

A memorial visitation for Emily will be held Friday, December 15, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 1815 Blackwell Rd., Marietta, GA 30066, followed by a memorial mass at 2:00 PM.

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DONATIONS:

Flowers can be sent to Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta GA.

Or, donations can be made to:

1. American Cancer Society

2. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

3. American Heart Association