Donna was born to Alice Roesler Cawley and Francis Ferris Cawley ( deceased), on April 16, 1947 at Jamaica Hospital, Queens, N.Y. She was a Beloved Sister to Linda Cawley Affourtit, Roger Allen Cawley, and to myself, Janice Cawley Daniel. I am proud to say, Donna was not only my sister, but my best friend.
When I close my eyes and think of my childhood, Donna is always by my side. She took me under her wing and I have been there ever since. She was My Angel on Earth.
In our youth we were inseperable, mainly because I would cry if she left the house without me. But if you knew Donna, you would know...she couldn't say "No" to anyone.
She was the most outgoing person I knew. People instantly were attracted to her. Donna's sense of humor was like no other. We would always find something to laugh about, even in our darkest hours.
As a child, Donna was very Active in our Church. She sang in the Choir and loved music. She was a little bit Country and a little bit Rock n Roll. Her favorite Hymn she sang while in the choir was " Jerusalem My Happy Home" ( original text, google and view the words). Everyone in Church loved her. She was President of The Youth Group, YPF, Girls Friendly Society President and volunteered at numerous functions. The elderly people depended on her to do their shopping, read to them, walk their pets when they were ill or whatever it was that had to be done for them, Donna was there.
She taught me so much. She truly believed it was better to give than to receive. She went out of her way to help others. I am sure many reading this has experienced her generosity in one for or another If you told Donna I like this, or this is nice. Next thing you knew, she was gifting it to you. Her acts of kindness are too many to count. Donna always put the needs of others before those of her own.
She was a wonderful daughter. She took care of our Mother Alice Cawley so well. They were best friends for sure. She included Mom in all of her activities. She made sure she had all the latest comforts. She missed my Mom so much and I can see them hugging each other now and laughing about.
Donna loved her family. She adored her husband Fred and was so proud of her three sons, Jason, Darren and Jonathan. I could hear on the phone the pride she had when she would tell me updates on their lives.
Her grandchildren gave her joy. She would share stories with me and you could feel the love she had for them all.
Miles may have seperated us in later years, but I always knew that I was close in her heart as she was always close in mine.
My family was Blessed when our granddaughter Skylar was born on Donna's Birthday. Each year we toast Donna and we will continue to do so. It will be bittersweet, but I feel so fortunate to have all those wonderful memories of her. She will always live on with my stories of her.
I love my sister. She was beautiful inside and out. Donna was always there for a friend in need, she will be missed by many.
When Donna was in the hospital she said, "Jan, when you get to Heaven I will have your favorite meal waiting for you...sauerbraten". I said, "Donna, stop you are really depressing me now. Do you think we will have to cook in Heaven too?" We laughed. Than I said, "when I get to Heaven, just be at the Pearly Gates, because I am going to be lost without you!" And I truly will be here on Earth as well.
So our Sister, we know you are smiling down at all of us today. Mom I am sure has already welcomed you with opened arms and a big hug.
You will never be forgotton Donna. We love you, We miss you already. Rest in Peace sweet sister. We will see other again one day. Butterfly Kisses are being sent your way.

Send Donations To:
St Judes Hospital
In Memory Of Donna Last

, CO