Donna L. Burby

Obituary - Burby, Donna L.

NISKAYUNA – Donna L. Burby, 46, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2007, at home surrounded by love. Donna's wonderful spirit and vitality for living was a gift to all fortunate enough to know her. This positive attitude kept Donna, family, and friends believing she would win her bold battle with ovarian cancer.
The recent sentiment, "she lived a lot of life but still had a lot more to live" captures Donna's approach to living. With a gift for playing music by ear, she was a talented guitarist and singer, and a stained glass maker. Donna loved to work with her hands, from gardening to building, and took great joy in her Santa Fe and Niskayuna homes. Donna, too, was a lover of animals; her westie, Emily, and beagle, Buddy, received constant and abundant affection.
Donna often expressed gratitude at the outpouring of encouragement she received from family and friends throughout this difficult year. Her mother, Joan Gifford, provided unconditional love, care, and patience. Her "boys," nephews Joshua, Jacob, and Jordan Burby, were a source of great pride, and her dearly loved brother, Chris Burby, and Magie provided much comfort. During her last few days, Donna was wrapped in a quilt of love made by her cousins Bonnie and Colleen Bannahan and Linda Reed, and was soothed overnight by her dear friends, Maryjean Tucci and Sheila McBain. Joan Luciano, Donna's long-term partner, grew to know deep love through Donna's incredible essence, which she will hold forever.
Donna was a mortgage loan officer with First Niagara Mortgage/Homestead Funding, where her sincerity and gentle style made selling seem effortless. Her enjoyment of business networking led her to serve as board member of the Colonie Chamber of Commerce, President of EBN, and member of the Rotary Club of Schenectady East. She was grateful to her Homestead colleagues, especially, Lorraine Puckey and Kathy Banta and Alice Brown, who kept business flowing during her illness.
Donna's family would like to thank Dr. Ferraro and his caring nursing/reception staff, as well as Memorial's nursing staff for their kindness. People are invited to call from 10:00 to noon on February 24, 2007 at New Comer Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.). A celebration of Donna's life will immediately follow calling hours at noon.
The family requests that donations be made to the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204 or www.caringtogetherny.org. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.newcomerfamily.com