Donna Marie Howard passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends. A beloved mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Donna leaves a legacy of strength, faith, and love that will continue through those who knew her. The daughter of Jeanette Ruth Traynham, Donna graduated from Jeremiah Burke High School in 1972 and continued her education by attending college classes locally. She was a natural-born leader with a strong spirit and a heart that loved deeply. Donna had a way of making her presence known, and when she had something to say, you could be sure it was worth listening to. Whether you had asked for her opinion was, of course, another matter Donna loved hard. Her love had strength behind it: the kind that wanted the best for you, believed in you, and sometimes came with a little direction about how you ought to get there. Those closest to her knew that beneath that determination was a heart that cared deeply. One of the most meaningful parts of Donna’s life was being a mother to her daughter, Shawnté Marie Howard. Their bond held a lifetime of memories, laughter, lessons, and love. Through life’s changes and challenges, that connection remained, a love that will continue to shape Shawnté’s life and keep her mother close. Donna cherished her church, Trusting GOD Ministries, led by Pastor Donald K. Moore. Her faith and church community held a special place in her heart, providing fellowship, purpose, and a spiritual home she dearly loved. Donna leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughter, Shawnté Marie Howard; her siblings, Phillistine Diane Ongondo of Framingham, Massachusetts; Gail Bonita Johnson of Mattapan, Massachusetts; Helen “Toni” Johnson of Dorchester, Massachusetts; Ernestine “Tina” Howard of Roxbury, Massachusetts; Barbara Ann Howard-Ward of Atlanta, Georgia; and Bradford Stephen Howard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. She also leaves nieces, cousins, a host of dear friends, and her cherished church family. As we remember Donna, there is room for both tears and laughter, for the things she taught us, the moments we shared, and the familiar words we can still hear her saying. Her life reminds us to love our people deeply, stand strong in who we are, and keep faith close. Donna’s light lives on in every story shared, every lesson remembered, and every act of love inspired by her example. Rest peacefully, Donna. You were deeply loved, you will be dearly missed, and you will never be forgotten. A life well lived. A job well done.