Donna Marie (Gioioso) Lapointe

Donna M. Lapointe passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, April 14th, after a recent diagnosis of cancer.

As Donna’s father always loved to tell, she was born during a snowstorm on March 3, 1960, in Winthrop, MA. Donna spent her first seven years in a small apartment in East Boston, MA. At age seven her family moved to Revere, MA. Donna was a graduate of Revere High & Bunker Hill Community College. After college she went on to work for Bank of New England.

During a girls trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1986 she met the love of her life, Gerry. Almost 4 months to the day they met they were engaged and a year later they wed. For the past 40 years they have navigated life with lots of laughter and love.Together they had a daughter, Ashley, and son Gregory. She always thought of her son-in-law, Adam, and daughter-in-law, Moriah, like two more of her own children. But, the biggest joys in her life were her four grandsons, Zachary, Jackson, Charlie, and Luca. She lived and breathed for those boys.

When she was a child Donna and her family always vacationed in Old Orchard Beach, ME. Since she was a child Donna’s dream was always to move away from city life and move to Maine. She and Gerry made that dream come true. After years of hard work they built their beautiful home. During her children’s teenage years the home became a second home to many friends. So many BBQs, birthdays, and fun game nights took place and forever memories were made.

She spent her life being a dedicated wife and mother. She was the best sister and friend anyone could ask for. Donna did everything for her children. Whether it was being the best Girl Scout troop leader, classroom volunteer, cheerleader on the sidelines, or just an ear to listen to their day, she was always there.

She was an amazing artist and crocheter. She made beautiful artwork for all of her grandsons to treasure. Her talent was amazing, even if she never believed it herself.

Donna loved celebrating all the holidays with her family, but Christmas was her favorite. She made her home at Christmas look like it was straight out of a Hallmark movie. She was known for her snowman collection. She loved when her son and son-in-law would go around the house to get a count. Baking and decorating Christmas cookies with her has become a favorite tradition of her grandsons. 

If you knew Donna you knew not to call on a Sunday during football season. She loved the New England Patriots so much. She was a die-hard fan winning season or not. She passed her love of the Patriots down to her children and grandchildren.

As empty nesters Donna and Gerry loved to hop in the car and just go for rides. Whether it be just to grab a sweet treat or see all the lighthouses in Maine they always had fun. Anyone who was ever around them knew they were soulmates. They taught their children that you can get through anything life throws at you by laughing together.

Donna is predeceased by her parents, John and Palmina Gioioso. She is survived by her loving husband Gerry Lapointe, her daughter Ashley & son-in-law Adam Burbank, her son Gregory and daughter-in-law Moriah Lapointe, her four amazing grandsons, Zachary, Jackson, Charlie, and Luca, her brother John and his wife Colleen Gioioso, her sister Laura and her husband Frank Belmonte, her bonus sister and her husband, Karen and Brian Dow, her sister-in-law Inday and her husband Bob VanEpps, and her loving nieces and nephew, Frankie, Genna, Grace, and Caitlin.

The family will be holding a celebration of life at their family home in June. More details to follow.

Donna cared deeply about children who were going without in her community.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the MSAD 60 Backpack Program.

MSAD 60 Backpack Program:

MSAD 60 Central Office

100 Noble Way

North Berwick, Maine 03906

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, North Berwick, Maine. 

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