Donna J. René

Donna J. René, 71, of Westborough, passed away on July 7th, 2022, after a courageous battle with ALS.

Born in Worcester, she was the middle child of the late Ernest and Mary (Dickie) René. She graduated from St. Peter’s High School and went on to Salter School where she honed her secretarial skills that led to her job at CommGas where she made her way up the corporate ladder to Senior Purchasing Agent. Donna was blessed to be able to retire early, and after some time spent relaxing in retirement, she realized she enjoyed helping people and socializing and soon found part time jobs where she flourished at places such as WPI and later Stein Mart.  

Donna participated and was involved in many clubs and organizations including Westborough Woman’s Club, Walker Meadows Social Committee, volunteering at the Westborough Town Hall and was an active member at St. Luke the Evangelist for years. 

Donna was an avid traveler in her life, both international and domestic. She also loved to craft and paint and truly found joy in creating beauty in her surroundings. Her absolute favorite creative endeavors was putting together a look for herself (or someone else!) that would help them feel beautiful. She also loved and took great pride in creating a home filled with beauty and awe, and enjoyed sharing that with friends and helping people create that feeling in their home: whether sharing vendors, going shopping to pick out the perfect accoutrement or preparing an amazing dinner party.

She is predeceased by her sister, Jackie (René) Larose of Florida, and is survived by her beloved family including her niece Kimberley Symonowicz of Paxton, her nephew Michael René and his wife Sarah of Gardner along with their 4 children; Brandon, Leanne, Jackson and Logan; along with other cousins, grand cousins, life-long friends, as well a good sale and an Italian dinner within a seven mile radius. 

Her funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, on Wednesday, July 13, in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St. Westborough. Entombment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery & Mausoleum in Worcester. 

There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to ALS Association, Massachusetts Chapter at ALS.org/massachusettes or Compassionate Care ALS at ccals.org/donate/