Donna Rupar

Donna (Autry) Rupar, 47, of Willimantic passed away on Thursday May 27, 2010 at Windham Community Memorial Hospital. Donna was a beloved nurse for the Windham Public School system and a lifetime member of the local community. She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Joseph Rupar, of Willimantic; son, Terrance John Hutchinson Jr., of Fort Collins CO; daughter and son-in-law, Cyndi and Alex Frank, of Wallingford, CT; and daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, Karyn, Joshua and Zefram Eves of Willimantic. Donna was born to Charles and the late Arlene Autry, lately of Naples, FL, on November 30, 1962 at Windham Community Memorial Hospital. Her only sister, Charlene Perry of Scotland married Fred Perry and blessed Donna with two wonderful nieces, Amber and Kena. Donna graduated from Windham High School in 1980 and went on to receive her LPN at Windham Tech in 1983. Before going into the nursing program, Donna worked for many years for Betty Mackey at Mackey's in Columbia. After raising her own children and assisting in the care of her nieces, Donna rejoined the workforce as a substitute nurse for WPS in the late 1990s. Since 2002 she was a 1:1 nurse for a special needs child. Donna lost her mother, Arlene (nAC.e Gamache), in September of 2008. For many years a member of the folk group at St Mary's Church in Willimantic, Donna avidly enjoyed sunbathing and reading and spent many happy hours lost between the pages of a good book while tanning by the pool. Her children's fondest memories of her include a summer spent at Carolina Beach in North Carolina and quiet picnics in the back yard. She was supported throughout her life by her maternal Aunt and Uncle, Phyllis and Carl Stensland of Hampton, CT as well as many other various relations whose love was felt despite the distance that separated them. A Memorial Mass will be held in her honor at St Mary's Church on Valley St in Willimantic at 11:00am on Wednesday June 2nd. The family will be receiving friends and relatives from 6 to 8pm on Tuesday June 1st at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Special Education program at Windham Public Schools in her name. Donna's undeniable spirit and kind heart will not be forgotten. All who were touched by her presence consider themselves lucky and will miss her, think of her often, but as she wished, will let her go. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.