Donna Rossio

Donna (MacLaren) Rossio, 75, of Sutton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. 

Born in Worcester in 1948, Donna was a talented artist, historian, and accomplished teacher known for her murals and decorative art. Prior to retirement, Donna worked for many years at the First Unitarian Church on Main Street in Worcester and at Vaillancourt Folk Art in Sutton. She enjoyed serving and being part of the vibrant and loving community at “First U”. Donna's passion for history extended to her own family, where she served as the dedicated family genealogist, meticulously recording and preserving her family's rich history from Scotland to New England and beyond for future generations. She was recently named the first female Chair of the Sutton Historical Commission. In this role, Donna was instrumental in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Sutton. Her responsibilities encompassed a wide range of activities, from conducting research and maintaining inventories of historic resources to advising local officials on preservation matters. She coordinated closely with state-level historical entities, reviewed grant proposals, and integrated preservation planning into broader town initiatives. Donna was particularly passionate about educating the community on the importance of their shared heritage, and advocated for appreciation of local history. 

Donna devoted a lifetime of service to Sutton through her work with both the Historical Commission and Historical Society, leaving a lasting impact. Beyond her professional pursuits, Donna was a woman of diverse interests and talents. She was an avid cook, delighting in creating culinary masterpieces inspired by recipes from around the world. Her dishes were a testament to her adventurous spirit and love for global cuisines. In her quiet moments, Donna could often be found with knitting needles in hand, crafting beautiful pieces with skill and care. She was also a voracious reader, her home filled with books that reflected her curiosity and lifelong love of learning. 

Donna was predeceased by her parents, George and June MacLaren, her close cousin Maria Mousseau, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kayleen and Jason Lima, living in Colorado; her sister and brother-in-law, Sheila and Ken Haigh, residing in South Carolina; her nieces, Bonnie White and Althea Haigh, and beloved cousins. 

Memorial services to celebrate Donna's life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the UMass Cancer Center, the First Unitarian Church of Worcester, or Women for Women International, of which she was a long-time supporter. Donna's devotion to her family, artistic talent, dedication to historical preservation, and love for her community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.