Obituary for Mrs. Donna M. (Giacovelli) Johnston UTICA – Mrs. Donna M. (Giacovelli) Johnston, age 72, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, July 8, 2018. Born in Utica on December 5, 1945, Donna was the second daughter of the late Leonard and Edith (Primarolo) Giacovelli. She attended Utica schools and from a young age worked in the family business Lynton’s Restaurant where family and friends always gathered.
On August 1, 1976 Donna was united in marriage to Alan J. Johnston. Together they established Johnston’s Auto Body and worked side by side until Alan’s passing on September 16, 2004. She most recently was employed by Parkway Drugs on Culver Ave.
The greatest joys in Donna’s life were her daughter Dana and her granddaughters Sydney and Jensen. She was a loving mother and grandmother and adored her 3 girls. She was their number one fan, never missing a school event, a gymnastic meet or a chance to be together.
Her happiest days were spent with them. Donna will be sadly missed by the love of her life, her daughter Dana Farouche Todd, her “son in law” Joseph Testa III who went above and beyond in helping to care for Donna these past few weeks, her cherished granddaughters Sydney Todd and Jensen Todd who were her heart and a beloved nephew Zachary Santino, whom she considered a son. She is also survived by her loving sisters Lynarda Girmonde and Deanna Santino who were always by her side, and her nephew and nieces who she loved like her own, Sam Girmonde, Dena and Greg Gorea and Donielle Staton.
In addition to many great-nieces and nephews she leaves behind Alysa Suppa, members of the Johnston family especially acknowledging in laws Linda and John Hoke and their family, and many cousins in the Giacovelli and Primarolo families. Special mention should be made of her feline companion Oliver who always made her laugh. She was predeceased by her husband Alan, her parents Leonard and Edith and her brothers-in-law Dee Dee Girmonde and Ronnie Santino.
The family will honor and commemorate Donna’s life at a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski.
Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. We love you Nonna and will miss you forever, Always your Beauty and Always your Baby To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mrs. Donna M. (Giacovelli) Johnston please visit our Sympathy Store.
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