Donna Victoria Tessaro, age 78, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2024, at Pioneer Manor surrounded by her family. She was born on August 14, 1945, in Garson, Ontario to Lily and Nilo Jussila. She married her longtime friend and love, Richard Alexander Tessaro, in March of 1967.
Donna loved to laugh. She worked as a teacher and had a passion for teaching students with special needs. Donna was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her twenties, however, MS never inhibited her from enjoying her life. She enjoyed being active, she walked daily, loved dancing, and exercised every morning. She happily volunteered with the MS society selling flowers.
Donna and Richard loved their outings to the casino and dedicated much of their time to their children and grandchildren. She lived with Richard for 56 years until she moved to Pioneer Manor where they cared for her compassionately. She was looked after with dignity by Tanya and the staff at Pioneer Manor.
Donna is survived by her brother and wife Bob and Bonnie Jussila, and is pre-deceased by her sister and husband Violet and Matti Jouppi; brother and wife Toivo and Erna Jussila; is survived by her three children; Tracey Tessaro (husband Anthony Maharajh), Kristi Martin (husband Neal Martin), and Natalie Tessaro (fiancé Warren Roque); and 3 grandchildren- Dawson Chaperon, Hudson Martin and Hayden Martin; plus, many nephews and nieces. All of whom she loved and touched deeply.
Please join us in celebrating her life Saturday February 24, 2024, between 12:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m. at Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch Street, Greater Sudbury, Ontario, P3B 1M2. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MS society at www.mscanada.donorportal.ca
For donations or messages of condolence, www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com