"I Miss you DVC, I can only imagine the fun you would be having with all of us. Guide us from heaven like you did so well when you were among us for 57 years....I love You"
In loving memory of
Donna V. Combra
June 30, 1956 - March 3, 2013
Donna V. Combra, 57, of Portsmouth, RI died peacefully at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, on Sunday, March 3, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Russell E. Combra and the mother of Andrew and Brian Combra, all of Portsmouth, RI. Born in Newport on January 30, 1956, she was the daughter of Virginia (Botelho) Jennings of Newport, and the late Louis A. Vaillancourt Jr. Donna grew up in Newport and graduated from URI. Her career began at Cluny School in Newport and then as a teacher in Portsmouth until she retired in 2012. She taught and influenced young children for 30 years. She loved adventure, be it kayaking, swimming, walking, biking, or traveling. She also loved reading, baking, knitting, and being home with her family. She is survived by her husband Russell and her sons, Andrew and Brian, her mother Virginia Jennings and her husband Sid Jennings; as well as her sisters Karen Miller and her husband Michael of Middletown, Lynn Nevins of Swansea, MA, a brother Michael Vaillancourt and his wife Ann Marie, of Bristol; many aunts, uncles and cousins, and several nieces and nephews, especially Mary Jane Hladick, her husband Dean and their children Emma and Connor; a sister in law Lillian Lopes, and her many friends. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2013, from 5:00-8:00pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Rd, Portsmouth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 8, at 10:30 am at St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Rd, Portsmouth. Burial will be private. Thinking of Donna's caring spirit, donations may be made in her memory to one of these organizations, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, RI Chapter, 1210 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02920; Hasbro Childrens Hospital, PO Box H, Providence, RI 02901; or to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. Visitation MAR 7. 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service MAR 8. 10:30 AM St. Barnabas Catholic Church 1697 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US
Tributes
"Andrew Lyell lit a candle in memory of Donna V. Combra"
"Brian Combra lit a candle in memory of Donna V. Combra"
"Laura Rom lit a candle in memory of Donna V. Combra"
"Mrs. Combra was a wonderful teacher. She was my son Anthony's 3rd Grade Teacher in Melville and he adored her. My son was transferred to Hathaway School for the 4th grade and Mrs. Combra made it a point to keep in contact with his 4th grade teacher to make sure Anthony was adjusting well. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time."
"Scott And Beth Brantingham lit a candle in memory of Donna V. Combra"
"Jen Kincaid lit a candle in memory of Donna V. Combra"
"Brian & Andrew, It sounds like your mom was a pretty awesome and special person. I hope you can fight through the sadness and keep always in mind how many lives it sounds like she touched. My best goes out to the two and you and your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers."
"I will remember Donna as a wonderful educator, caring friend and proud Mom. She had a positive uplifting way about her. We were all bless to have had her touch our lives. My sincere Sympathy for her family. May you find comfort in your faith and memories. Kathy Kempenaar Sundin"
"Brian. Sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. My condolences to you and your family.Doug Gilmore"
"Carolyn Lalli lit a candle in memory of Donna V. Combra"
"Dear Ginny & Sid....Sorry I missed you tonite...my deepest sympathy to you both and to your family.....you are two very special people...and I am deeply sorry for your loss."
"You are all in my thoughts and prayers - Donna taught my son Tim in fourth grade at Melville- Her dedication to teaching was wonderful! He still comments that Mrs. Combra tought him to write, and is so sad. There are no words to express how I feel for you all - know that you are being prayed for, please hold all the wonderful memories close to your hearts. The crown headband she knitted for a sweet little girl will be prized all the more now."
"Dear Combra Family,We want to extend our deepest heartfelt sympothy for your unexpected and most untimely loss. The loss of a Wife/Mother/Daughter is so difficult. You will put one foot in front of the other for now and know Donna/Mom is guiding you each step of the way. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this most heartwrenching time.Love and prayers,The Kneeland Family"
"When it comes to Donna, remembering the good times is an easy thing to do...because being with Donna was always a good time. She was honest and genuine and had so much to offer. She was a mentor and friend-I will always treasure her friendship."
"Donna was a very good friend when we both taught at Cluny together. We started our teaching careers there and laughed every day. I am sorry to hear she is no longer with us. She was a special person.Theresa LaParle Watson"
"Barbara Hussey lit a candle in memory of Donna V. Combra"
"Andrew & Brian,Our deepest sympathies in the loss of your mother, Heather has always told us such great things about her and what a wonderful person she was. She touched Heather's heart and Heather was a better person because she was fortunate enough to have known your mother. Take comfort in knowing your mother will watch over you and will always be with you. I regret not ever having the opportunity to meet her.Sincerely,Kevin & Barbara Hussey"
"My heart hurts knowing that the world has lost such a talented, caring, giving woman who was so full of life. I send my prayers of peace and comfort to the Combra family."
"Russ,Middle Road will certainly miss seeing Donna smiling riding her bike on a bright sunny day. She was a beautiful person inside and out. You and your family are in my prayers.Mary Harper"
"Dear Combra Family,Donna was my friend and mentor in many ways. We worked on the same team teaching 3rd grade and together at Melville during her last few years teaching. She was such a sharp, creative, beautiful person. When we moved to Oregon last year, she was a tremendous cheerleader and kept in touch, always curious to hear how things were going. I appreciated her friendship so much. One thing I know for sure, she touched many lives, but held her boys and Russ closest to her heart. Thank you for sharing your mother and wife with me. I always admired Donna's faith. What a reunion it will be when we see her again someday. My deepest sympathy to you all,Lisa PhaneufOregon"
"Russ, Brian & Andrew,It was my privilege to have taught right next door to Donna for the few years before she retired. We really enjoyed teaching together and we shared many laughs! I am still in disbelief of her passing and I'm thinking of you all. She taught me so much and I will always cherish our friendship. You are all in my contant thoughts and prayers.LoveSusan Frost"
"Dear Russell and family,I was shocked and saddened to read of Donna's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.Claire Silvia PimentelSavannah, GA"
"DEAR RUSSELL,BRIAN,ANDREW AND FAMILY,I WILL CHERISH MEMORIES OF THE YEARS I WORKED WITH DONNA AT MELVILLE AS WELL AS HAVING ANDREW AT ELMHURST IN THE TALENT PROGRAM.MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY/HER PASSING IS A LOSS TO ALL WHO KNEW AND RESPECTED HER.SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. ROSALIE GOLDMAN"
"Dear Russ,You always told me I reminded you of Donna, I think it's the big brown Botelho eyes. My wish for you and the boys is to take comfort in all your memories and know that she will always live in your heart. She was an amazing person and will be missed by many.Much love,Terri (Botelho) Traeger"
"Russell,and FamilyMy deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you in your time of loss and sorrowBill Kuell"
"Dear Donna, My heart is breaking over this. You are a beautiful person and I was so happy to have worked with you for so many years and crossed paths in the knitting group. Be at peace with God. My sympathies and prayers go to the Combra family. Maria Aylward"
"To the Combra Family,I was shocked and sorry to hear of Donna's passing. Having taught with her for many years before my retirement, our paths often crossed and we had mutual respect for each other. She will be sorely missed.With Sympathy,Jamie Caromile"
"Russell, Brian, and Andrew,I am still in shock. Donna was such a healthy, vibrant person, I cannot believe this. I always looked forward to get - togethers at Bobbie's or Miles' knowing Donna and Russell would be there. She always had a smile on her face and a laugh ready. She will be missed by so many people since she touched many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Kiki"