Obituary of Donna Marie Smith

Donna Marie Smith, age 68 of Shelton, died peacefully on October 9, 2022 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving children.  Born in Bridgeport on November 26, 1953, she was the daughter of the late John Peter and M. Reletta Petretti Hellrigel.  Ms. Smith was raised in Bridgeport and graduated from Notre Dame High School.  She worked as a bookkeeper at Fairfield Lumber for 20 years, Kaufman Fuel of Bridgeport for over 20 years and lastly, the J.L. Lucas Machinery Company of Waterbury, until her retirement.

Through the years, Donna loved the outdoors. Finding peace in her countless hours of gardening or among her friends at the beach. Always looking for an opportunity to play with her grandchildren and be present in their day. More than anything, she will be long remembered for her devotion and selfless love toward family and friends.

Donna is survived by her children; Candace (Michael) Linnen of Shelton, Brian (Lyndi) Smith of Louisiana and Kristy (Dominick) Tartaro of Shelton as well as her sister, Gayl Thomas of Nevada. She cherished being a grandmother to Amanda, Kylie, Madison, Jillian, Evelyn, Myles, J.R., and 4  step-grandchildren.  Donna also doted on being a great-grandmother to Vonn, Cadence, Coda and Mia. She also leaves behind her childhood best friends, Barbara Nassif, Marion Lauretti, and Paula Julian. Predeceased and welcomed “home” by her parents alongside Henry and Barbara Petretti, Todd Linnen and her beloved Nana.

Please join us as we celebrate her life on Thursday, October 13, 2022. A brief memorial service will take place at 6:30 PM at Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, CT. Interment will be private.  Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 - 6:30 PM, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105,  www.stjude.org/donate.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.