Donna A Crandall

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Donna A. Crandall, who left this world on September 18, 2025, at Advent Emergency Room in Orlando, Florida. Born on August 15, 1951, in Beverly, Massachusetts, Donna was a beacon of compassion, intelligence, and creativity, whose impact on those she encountered was immeasurable. The beloved daughter of the late Donald E. Crandall and Barbara Low Crandall, Donna grew up in a family rich with love and support. She was predeceased by her dear brother, Thomas C. Crandall, and is survived by her cherished brothers, Wayne Crandall and his wife Sharon Lee Crandall, and Donald Crandall Jr. and his husband Richard B. Hall. Donna also leaves behind her treasured nephews, James M. Crandall and Stephen L. Crandall, along with many cousins who will forever hold her memory in their hearts. Donna was a proud graduate of Beverly High School, class of 1969. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the Vesper George School of Art in Boston and the Essex Agriculture & Technical Institute, where she earned an Associates of Science in Food Science in 1980. She further pursued her passions at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, and later at Salem State College, where she earned a Certificate in Elementary Education for Grades 1-6. Donna's dedication to education continued with a Certification in Specific Learning Disabilities K-12 and an ESOL certification from the University of Central Florida in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Her academic journey culminated with a Master of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2008. Donna's career as an educator began at the Landmark School in Prides Crossing, Beverly Farms, Massachusetts, where she taught from 1984 to 1990. Her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds continued when she relocated to Florida, where she served with distinction in the Orange County school system from 1990 to 2016. Her tenures at Union Park Elementary School, Discovery Middle School, and Timber Creek High School were marked by her unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues. Beyond her professional life, Donna was an ardent genealogist, actively participating in the Winthrop Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She cherished the stories of those who came before her and took immense pride in connecting her family's history to the fabric of American heritage. Donna's life was also enriched by her friendships, particularly with "The Girls from her Neighborhood" in Oviedo, Florida. Nancy Plum, Judy Ciesla, Paula Yoakum, Cathy Tucker, Diane Berry, Smitty and Teresa, Linda Bufuf, Chris Bartch, and Yolanda Zayas were more than friends—they were sisters of the heart who shared countless laughs, adventures, and memories with Donna. A celebration of Donna's life will be held on July 3, 2026, at 12:30 PM at North Beverly Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to honor her legacy and bid farewell to a remarkable woman who touched so many lives. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the National Cremation Burial Society for their compassionate assistance in laying Donna to rest. In this time of sorrow, we celebrate Donna's vibrant spirit, her dedication to education, and her boundless love for family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love that will forever be cherished by all who knew her. May her memory be a blessing and her soul rest in eternal peace.