my mother

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. "My Mother" was a beacon of warmth and kindness in the lives of all who knew her. She passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on January 31, 1941, in the quaint town of Torrington, Connecticut, she was the cherished daughter of Stella (Dybas) and Vincent Argenta. As a young girl, she grew up surrounded by the love of her family, including her sister, Janice Morando. Her early years were filled with laughter, joy, and the simple pleasures of life in a close-knit community. A proud graduate of Torrington High School, class of 1958, she carried with her the values and friendships from those formative years. It was in Torrington that she met the love of her life, David A. Donaldson. They married on July 4, 1963, embarking on a journey of love that would span 43 wonderful years until David's passing. Together, they nurtured a family rooted in love, raising four cherished children: Jeff (Angela), Craig (Carrie), Jill (Todd), and Todd (Theresa). Her home was her sanctuary, where the aroma of her exquisite cooking was ever-present. Known far and wide for her culinary skills, she delighted in canning the tomatoes from David's garden and exploring new recipes from her collection of cookbooks. Her kitchen was a place where family and friends gathered, creating memories over shared meals. Beyond her culinary talents, she was an avid fan of NC State Basketball, particularly during the legendary Jim Valvano years. Her enthusiasm for the game was infectious, and she shared many spirited moments with friends and family as they cheered on her beloved team. She is survived by her loving children, cherished grandchildren—Zach (Meghan), Nate (Carly), Devin, Aaron (Emily), Liam, Tyler, Morgan, Grier (Piper), and Polly—and her adored great-grandsons, Murphy and Banks. Her family was her pride and joy, and she found immense happiness in watching them grow and thrive. Her beloved cousin, Theodore Fijal, and her lifelong friend, Johanna Karbonic, along with many other dear friends, will remember her as a steadfast companion and confidante. A private funeral ceremony will be held to honor her life, allowing family and close friends to pay their respects in a setting befitting her gentle spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research, an organization close to her heart, at https://www.v.org/. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find solace in the legacy of love and kindness she leaves behind. Her spirit will continue to guide us, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her.