Bob, I am so saddened by Donna’s death. Although I didn’t see much of her, I truly felt she was my friend as well as you. Please know you are in my prayers. May all the love and memories you hold in your heart be healing and peace to your soul. Sincerely Nancy Rees
Donna's Eulogy:
Hi everyone. Thank you all for coming today to celebrate Donna’s life. My name is Megan Guilbert and Donna took care of my brother and I from the time I was 6 months old until the day my younger brother left for college.
My mom met Donna in 1993 at the nail place. Donna did my mom’s nails every Saturday at her standing appointment of 4pm. They got to know each other well over the course of the next 3 years. So well, that in 1996 before I was even born, my mom asked Donna to take care of me. The funny thing is, originally Donna told my mom no! So, my mom went back to her again and somehow convinced her that she would really like this, so Donna started coming 2 days a week to babysit me. After some time, that 2 days turned to 3, then 4, then 5 days per week. So, for next 22 years Donna was a huge part of our everyday lives. She showed up each day in her sports car and matching outfit. She brought us to and from school, took us to games and practices, helped us with our homework, made sure we were fed, and our clothes were clean. Donna spent time getting to know our friends and learning about whatever we were interested in, even if she had no interest herself; She truly cared. Donna typically wore heels, but always had a pair of sneakers in tow because she knew we would almost always ask her to play basketball or whiffle ball with us. Thank gosh she was always ready to go because, let me tell you, it could get pretty competitive. Donna took us to the pool club, where she lathered us in sunscreen from head to toe, six flags, water parks, real concerts, and our own guitar hero concerts where she was always the Pat Benatar character. The list of fun memories could just go on forever.
However, when I remember Donna, what stands out to me the most is how loving and kind she was to everyone around her. Being remembered as someone who is so loving and so kind in an often-tough world, in my opinion, is a very special way to be remembered. Donna was selfless and had a gentle heart. She wanted the best for you, and she would do whatever she could to help you.
I think it is important to note that Donna’s love and kindness far surpasses only the people here today. On Monday evening, I posted photos of Donna on my Instagram and Facebook and the number of messages and comments I received about Donna was incredible. From my first-grade teacher who remembers Donna saying that she was the “Absolute sweetest”, my eighth-grade teacher commenting, “She was a true gift”, to friends who knew her, like Deirdre, saying “Donna’s sweet, kind, and loving way will be remembered by so many of us. She will be missed for sure.” The amount of mine and Jimbo’s friends who messaged us and commented about Donna was heartwarming. Jimbo’s friend Sebastian commenting, “I am so sorry. She did so much for us”, Sam Ortolani saying, “Truly the nicest women I’ve ever met. Love you Donna, Rest Well” and my friend Kate Baron, “I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Donna. Currently thinking of all the amazing memories. She was like a mom to me”. These comments and messages are just to name a few and for someone who cared so deeply about children and teaching, the impact that Donna had not only on Jimbo and I, but on all the children she interacted with was profound. Donna’s nurturing and thoughtful way was felt by so many, and she truly made a difference in people’s lives.
Donna absolutely enjoyed being with the love of her life, Bobby. Whether it was relaxing or entertaining in their beautiful home, going out to dinners, plays, or on Sunday adventures together, she loved every moment of it. Bobby and Donna were true soul mates. She also cared very much for their cats and enjoyed taking multiple trips to Pittsburgh with Bobby to pick up a new Russian Blue kitten.
Donna loved her family dearly. She spent time talking to and being with her three sisters, Kathy, Susan, and LeeAnn, her brother, Michael, and her Aunt Kathleen. Donna adored her nieces and nephews whom she loved to pieces. She enjoyed entertaining at her home, spending time with her friends, and meeting new friends too. And I know that Donna loved being a part of mine and Jimbo’s lives.
Donna was a second mother to the two of us and a sister to my mom. She loved us more than we will ever know, and we loved her more than she will ever know. You never know why certain people come into your life, but I know that I am and always will be so grateful that Donna was such a huge part of our lives and helped us to get where we are today. I truly believe that Jimbo said it best, “No one will ever know or understand what Donna means to me.”
As we grieve the loss of Donna today, tomorrow and for the days, months, and years to come, I want to leave you all with a quote from Jamie Anderson, “Grief, I’ve learned is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hallow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.” As time continues to go on, and we continue to feel that unspent love, maybe we can use some of it to honor Donna, by living a little bit more like Donna. All that love and kindness that she showed to us, we can pay forward to each other.
Donna’s legacy is proof that your love and kindness toward others can forever be felt and the way you treat people matters.
We all need someone like Donna in our lives and we are all blessed to have known her. There is no doubt that Heaven gained another angel.
I love you Donna and I will miss you so very much. Thank you for taking such great care of Jimbo and me. You will always be a huge part of us.
Bobby, I am so so sorry for your loss. Although I didn't know Donna as well as Deb Pecyno Rivera I am very fund of the both of you. I'll always remember when we would meet for lunches when Deb traveled back to New Jersey. May she rest in peace. Love, Maria
I am so sorry to hear about Donna's passing. We were friends in school in Keyport.
Heaven gained another angel.
Joanne
Bob, we are truly heart broken. We want you to know we are thinking about you in this difficult time. May you frequently remember good times together that will turn your sorrow to a smile.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Bob,
I am earnestly sorry for your loss. May her soul find eternal rest.
To the entire Morris and Warnock families, may you find peace and comfort in your own lives as you travel this heartbreaking loss. I share your loss deeply. Donna will always remain in my heart as a dear, loving and gentle soul with heart filled with love. Donna and I shared many, many years of memories, the happiest being her marriage to Bobby. Forever in my heart, with love. May you rest in peace my dear friend Donna, you will forever remain in my heart. With all my love, Deb
Bob, you may not remember the O'Tooles from Cape Cod, but we remember you and Donna with great affection from the times we saw you at Mary Beth's for her legendary family gatherings.
Although we are so very sorry for the loss you have suffered, Bob, we know that you did everything possible for Donna during these difficult times; you were Donna's hero, her caregiver, her protector, and her rock of strength and hope through all her trials, the perfect example of a good husband.
And as you gave all of yourself to Donna, so she gave all of herself to Mary Beth, megan and Jimbo.
To Mary Beth she was a loyal confidant, a friend like no other, a strong right arm... and a strong left arm, too. To Megan and Jimbo, she was so much more than the term "nanny" implies. By turns she was mother, older sister, and best friend to them and they loved her so for it. Donna was an angel to all of them, and I know, to you, too.
We feel a profound sadness at Donna's passing, and can only imagine how you must feel now, Bob, but we hope that as time passes, your memories of Donna will bring you comfort, joy, and peace, just as she did to all of those who loved her and always will.
With our deepest condolences,
Ed and Dorothy O'Toole
I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️
I knew Donna through my sister Mary Beth because she was my niece's and nephew's nanny. She did a terrific job nurturing them and helping to make them the adults they are today. My prayers, thoughts and tears go out to you Bob whom I know so loved and adored Donna. She was a truly wonderful person and I know that Donna is looking down on us, providing , protecting and praying for all of us. Will Barb Matt OToole and Josephine Delmore
I was a co-worker with Bob @ Innophos. We occasionally bumped into each other and would address one another as 'Hello Mr. Morris' It sounded cool. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your loving wife. She is looking down on you so make her proud every day as you slowly heal and have your memory warm your grieving heart. Sincere - Harry
In memory of Donna Jean Morris, Lori Cannon lit a candle
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.