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Donna Gail Willis

Donna Gail Willis – July 14,1947 to July 4, 2022

Donna Gail Willis was born on July 14, 1947 in Lynn, Massachusetts. She was a resident of Salem, MA for 45 years before moving to Beverly, MA.

Donna traveled with her family; her father was in the Army and they were stationed in both Germany and France. Her parents (Evelyn and Joseph Willis) were both Commanders in the American Legion and she traveled with them to many conventions. Donna has a loving brother Alan Willis and sister-in-law Eileen Willis of California, a loving sister Lesley Brennan and brother-in-law Michael Brennan of Texas, an Uncle Victor Willis of Beverly, MA, and several cousins. Donna is predeceased by her parents and her beloved dog Lucky.

Donna was a graduate of Lynn English High School, class of 1966. She graduated from beauty school and started her career as a hairdresser. Donna then went on to be a home health aide, working with senior citizens. Donna loved taking care of the seniors and making sure they were happy and cared for.

Donna was the proud mother of Gayla Willis Bartlett of Danvers. She and Gayla were always together and the best of friends. Donna loved going to Kiwanis Conventions with Gayla and her family and meeting so many people. She adored her son-in-law Aaron Bartlett and always referred to him as the “best son in law ever.” She was over the moon at the birth of her only grandchild Michaela Bartlett. Donna was ever present for every moment of Michaela’s achievements and always praised her.  

Donna AKA Nana loved to make crafts from foam; it was known as Nana’s Foam Craft Ministry or Nana’s Crafts. She brought joy and smiles to so many by sharing her crafts for every holiday. Donna was a proud member of the Maple Street Church in Danvers. She loved her craft classes and events at the Beverly Council on Aging and looked forward to them each month.  

There will be a Celebration of Life for Donna on Sunday July 17, 2022 at 1pm at Maple Street Church, 90 Maple Street Danvers, MA 01923.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the following: Beverly Council on Aging, 90 Colin Street Beverly, MA 01915; Attn: Activities Fund in memory of Donna Willis or Maple Street Church, 90 Maple Street, Danvers, MA, 01923; Attn: Deacons Fund in memory of Donna Willis.


Services

Celebration of Life

Sunday, July 17th at 1:00 p.m. at Maple Street Church, 90 Maple St., Danvers


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  1. Julie Macsata
    Jul 17 2022

    Gayla, Aaron and Michaela,
    So sorry to hear of Nana’s passing. I loved her crafts and her smiling face at church. I wish all thoughts of peace and happy memories of her. Thinking of you.
    Julie

  2. Deirdre and Timothy Mc Mahon
    Jul 13 2022

    A wonderful mom for you. Glad she could celebrate your Kiwanis journey. Lots of great memories , for all. Cherish those times.

  3. Lesley Brennan
    Jul 8 2022

    Gayla, I happened to sit down at the computer just 2 minutes after you sent me Donna’s obituary. She looks beautiful and you did a wonderful job of hitting the highlights of her life, like YOU and your family! Donna definitely knew how loved she was, and Mike and I will be forever grateful that you were there to surround her with love.

  4. Grace Statuto
    Jul 8 2022

    Gayla and family my thoughts are with you. RIP Donna with that beautiful smile. Bless you

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To all our families, friends, and residents of Revere, East Boston, and surrounding communities of the North Shore,

We would like to announce that after 37 years of caring for thousands of families at our 773 Broadway location, on January 31st, 2023 we will be officially RELOCATING, to our new location at 262 Beach St., Revere.
On September 30th, 2022, we proudly purchased the Vazza “Beechwood” Funeral Home – DiPietro and Vazza, Inc. A name that has served families for 102 years. We feel blessed that with all of the interest, the Vazza Family chose us to carry on their century old business and family name. We will become Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals. We will continue to honor the Vazza name and continue our commitment the same way that we always have. We also look forward to having both Louis Vazza and Jessica Vazza Ferragamo alongside of us, as we come together as one.
Our reputation has always been our biggest asset. For many years people always wanted us to have a larger facility, now our facility is the largest funeral home in the area. We will be making many beautiful upgrades to allow our families to have the most elegant facility to honor their loved one.
Although this announcement is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to our home, we are forever grateful for all of you for placing your constant faith and trust in us to care for your loved one. We will continue to do what we are best known for.
Thank you for your friendship and continued support.
God bless you all.
Faithfully,

Your friends at Vertuccio Smith and Vazza.

To all our families, friends, and residents of Revere, East Boston, and surrounding communities of the North Shore,

We would like to announce that after 37 years of caring for thousands of families at our 773 Broadway location, on January 31st, 2023 we will be officially RELOCATING, to our new location at 262 Beach St., Revere.

On September 30th, 2022, we proudly purchased the Vazza “Beechwood” Funeral Home – DiPietro and Vazza, Inc. A name that has served families for 102 years. We feel blessed that with all of the interest, the Vazza Family chose us to carry on their century old business and family name. We will become Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals. We will continue to honor the Vazza name and continue our commitment the same way that we always have. We also look forward to having both Louis Vazza and Jessica Vazza Ferragamo alongside of us, as we come together as one.

Our reputation has always been our biggest asset. For many years people always wanted us to have a larger facility, now our facility is the largest funeral home in the area. We will be making many beautiful upgrades to allow our families to have the most elegant facility to honor their loved one.

Although this announcement is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to our home, we are forever grateful for all of you for placing your constant faith and trust in us to care for your loved one. We will continue to do what we are best known for.

Thank you for your friendship and continued support.

God bless you all.

Faithfully,

Your friends at Vertuccio Smith and Vazza.