Donna M. Purdell

Passed away August 20, 2022 at the age of 67. Predeceased by her husband, Mark, in 2019. Survived by her loving sons, Samuel and Joseph; beloved sisters and brothers; many relatives and friends; dear students and coworkers. Services will be held privately in the spring.

The Purdell family weathered so much the past few years, from Donna’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2016, to her husband’s sudden death in 2019. In May of 2021, she was diagnosed with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA), a degenerative neurological disease similar to Parkinson’s or ALS that has no known cause or cure. It gradually took away her ability to drive, cook, write, walk—and eventually, it also took her life. These years do not define who she was, but illustrate what an incredibly courageous woman she was. She remained positive, selfless, and good-humored to the very end.

We also want her to be remembered as a tirelessly hard-working and caring mother, teacher, sister, and friend, adored by so many and never to be forgotten. She was a beloved preschool teacher for nearly twenty years at the Rochester Childfirst Network. “Miss Donna”, as her students called her, brought care and compassion to the lives of hundreds of children during the most fundamental years of their lives. She was nothing if not a beacon of empathy, creativity, and honesty; she taught everyone she met what it means to be a good person.

Donna Purdell worked her entire life in service of others. We gratefully ask for donations in her loving memory to be made to the United Way of Greater Rochester unitedwayrocflx.org/donate

The Purdell family wishes to thank the caring staff at the Hurlbut nursing home, where she spent her final months. We also most gratefully thank all those who cared for, loved, and supported Donna during her life, with a special thank you to her donors on GoFundMe (#DonorsForDonna). The entire family has been overwhelmed by all the support shown.

Mom, we love you to the moon and back. To infinity and beyond.

- Thank you again, the Purdell Family