Donna Marie Catanzaro

Donna Marie (Elliott) Catanzaro, 63, of Shrewsbury, passed away at UMass Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was born in Worcester, a daughter of the late Richard J. and Janice L. (Gemma) Elliott. She grew up in Shrewsbury, graduated from Shrewsbury High School, and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Worcester State College. Donna devoted many years of her life to helping others as a speech language assistant, the last 20 being at Summit Academy, where her compassion, patience, and gentle encouragement touched the lives of the children and families she served. She retired due to her illness, but the care she gave so freely continued to be felt by all who knew her. Donna was also a faithful member and volunteer of Liberty Church in Shrewsbury and found comfort, friendship, and strength through Bible study with family and friends.

To know Donna was to know warmth, humor, kindness, and a deep love for life. She had a gift for making ordinary moments feel special, whether she was sharing a meal and laughter with good friends and family, enjoying the peaceful beauty of Ogunquit, Maine or simply spending time with the people she loved most. Donna’s presence brought comfort and joy. She listened with care, welcomed others with an open heart, and made those around her feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. Her love for her family, her faith, and her friendships was the center of her life, and the memories she created will be cherished always.

Donna is survived by her husband, Mario Catanzaro; her daughter, Danielle Dainis and her husband, Jake, of Holden; two stepchildren, Daniel Catanzaro of New Bedford and Emily Monteiro and her husband, Anthony, of Munson; her stepmother, Elaine Elliott of Murrells Inlet, SC; her twin sister, Deborah DuVerger and her husband, Mark, of East Brookfield; her brother, Timothy Elliott and his wife, Lisa, of East Brookfield; her stepsister, Kara Ann Hansson and her husband, James, of Paxton; her stepbrother, Keith Demarski and his wife, Renee, of East Brookfield; eight grandchildren, Hailey, Ethan, Thomas, and Savvannah Ryan; Isaiah, and Penelope Monteiro, Lucca, and Michael Catanzaro; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 4–7 p.m. at the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Her funeral and burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.