Donna Roberta Monteiro

Donna Roberta Monteiro, age 78, unexpectedly passed away on October 25, 2024, while on vacation in Nevada. Born in Massachusetts on June 10, 1946, she was the daughter of Manuel and Wilomenia "Minnie" (Teixeira) Monteiro. Donna was raised in Mansfield, Massachusetts, where she attended Mansfield public schools. She was a majorette during high school and was once crowned the Snow Queen in 1963.

After her graduation from Mansfield High School with the class of 1964, Donna raised a family. Over the coming years she would welcome three beautiful children: Michelle, Jeannine, and Chip. In 1968, she and her young family moved to South Walpole, Massachusetts, where she would make many friends. As her children grew older, Donna began working at the Heartland/Stop and Shop in the town, serving as a produce clerk. 

In 1982, Donna returned to her education. She worked full time, was raising her family, and still managed to pursue her dreams. A few years later, in 1986, Donna proudly walked the stage at Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts to receive her Associate’s Degree in Business. Not one to settle, Donna continued her education at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island where she would earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in 1990. As proud as she was of receiving her Associate’s degree, her Bachelor’s degree was even more special, as she had the privilege of walking the stage with her daughter Jeannine, who was also graduating.

Donna remained with Heartland/Stop and Shop for the entirety of her career. She loved her coworkers and her many shoppers. An outgoing and friendly woman, Donna was perfect for her role.

In her free time, Donna loved to spend time with her family and friends. Donna's social calendar was always full, whether it was knitting with friends at the senior center, planning a destination vacation with a loved one, or getting lunch. Her family was the most important part of her life. She was a proud mother, devoted companion, and enthusiastic grandmother. Her grandson Dominic was a true joy in her life, not hesitating to get down on her hands and knees to play with him even in her 70's. Donna was a social butterfly, ultimate hostess, and life of the party. She could not help but make friends wherever she went, filling her social calendar up with different planned get togethers.

Donna also enjoyed traveling. When her children were young, she took them to Mexico and Disneyworld, as well as many places closer to home. More recently she visited Las Vegas, Nevada and was looking forward to an Alaskan trip next year with her daughter Michelle. She also traveled with her life partner Gene, taking cruises to South America, Europe, Hawaii, and down the Panama Canal. Back home, Donna and Gene traveled near and far in Gene's VW Camper Van. The pair were VW enthusiasts, seeking out VW meetups and shows to attend whenever they could.

Back at home, Donna enjoyed volunteering, whether it was knitting hats and scarves to donate, or making cards for soldiers, she put her heart and soul into helping others. She enjoyed relaxing with the family dog, Chewy, enjoying his company while reading one of the many books.

Donna will be remembered as a strong, determined, personable, woman who could connect with anyone she met and make a friend for life. She will be greatly missed.

Loving mother of Michelle J. Ryan and her late husband Billy of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Jeannine M. Follett Heywood of South Walpole, and Chip Follett of North Attleborough.

Cherished grandmother of Dominic Heywood.

Sister of the late Arthur "Tick" Roderick and Earnest Monteiro.

Beloved partner of Gene Byers of Walpole.

Also survived by her niece Terry Cummings and her husband Michael of North Smithfield, Rhode Island, Gene's son Douglas E. Byers and his children Melissa Byers and Ray Byers, and great grandchild Aubrey.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Donna's Life Celebration on Monday, November 4th, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

All are invited to gather on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, at 10:00 am for a Funeral Home Service. Donna brought cheer and joy to other people during her life, and would be thrilled if you would honor her memory by wearing bright, colorful clothing, especially purple as it was her favorite color. She was adamant that her life be a celebration.

Interment will follow the funeral home service at Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Donna's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association, a charity she proudly supported in memory of her mom, Minnie, at 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or by visiting https://www.alz.org/manh or to the Women’s Lunch Place at P.O. Box 170900, Boston, MA 02117 or by visiting https://womenslunchplace.org/donate.