Obituary for Donna M. Plante (Rogers)
PLANTE, Donna M. (Rogers), of Medford, passed away unexpectedly on January 10, 2024, at the age of 65. Born in Bethlehem, PA to Harriet Rogers (Dugan) of Medford, and the late Hugh Rogers. Beloved husband of 47 years to Robert t. Plante. Loving mother of Shawn M. Plante of Medford, and Derrick A. Plante and his wife Ashley of Bridgewater. Proud and cherished ‘Nanny’ of Noah Plante. Dear sister of Robert H. Rogers of Nebraska. Donna is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.
Donna was raised primarily in Westford, Massachusetts. She grew up close to her older brother, Petey. They both had fond memories of camping trips up in New Hampshire, something she would share years later with her own children. Her father was a career military member, and she adored him. It was from her father that she got her positive spirit and ability to keep her sense of humor through even the toughest of times.
Donna met her beloved Bob (Red to her) at a bowling alley in Lowell. She was there with friends and Bob was in a bowling league there with his brother. She spotted him across the room, waved him over and Bob knew then, that was it.
They married shortly after and have truly been inseparable the entirety of the last 47 years - best friends and soulmates, never spending a single day or night apart.
The two built a beautiful life together, raising their two sons, providing them a childhood of wonderful memories made: summer days spent camping at Peter’s Pond, trips to New Hampshire, years spent watching her boys playing baseball or soccer, attending school plays, making Halloween costumes and special birthday cakes. She was there for every moment big and small.
Donna simply spent her life in the service of others. She was a caregiver through and through. She worked in several hospitals, a nursing home, cared for a young girl in her town for several years, and then spent her recent years handling the immensely challenging role of caretaking for her own mother. Though her greatest joy was being a mother to her sons and nanny to her grandson.
Donna was the epitome of a selfless daughter, mother, wife, and nanny. She was warm, nurturing, thoughtful and deeply kind. Everyone who was blessed to be loved and cared for by Donna has been made better because of it.
Though you would be foolish to ever confuse her kindness for weakness, as Donna was also incredibly strong and taught her sons to be both strong and kind too.
She was a straight shooter, fiercely protective, and would tell you what you needed to hear good or bad. She knew how to handle any situation and would take charge and get things done whenever needed, a trait her family respected and admired as she came to their rescue on several occasions over the years.
She was so proud of her sons, for both their accomplishments and for the strength they’ve shown in overcoming their own obstacles in life. She was their greatest supporter, never shy about telling them just how special they are, how much she loved them, or how incredibly proud she was of them.
No one was more excited to be a grandparent, than Donna. And Noah too understood the beautiful bond his grandparents shared, typically saying “NannyPapa” as one word, always overjoyed jumping up and down waving out the window when they arrived. Donna loved being a “Nanny” to her “boo boo” more than anything. The love between Noah and Donna was so pure.
From walks around the neighborhood, Donna pushing Noah in his little blue car, waving and chatting, knowing Ashley & Derrick’s neighbors all by name, to holding Noah for hours on end dancing and singing to him (the only one who never minded Baby Shark on repeat for hours.) She’d swing and slide with him at the playground, spend hours with him splashing around in his inflatable pools, find him the perfect gifts to surprise him with - whatever his latest favorite was she was on it, always thinking of new ways to make the most of their time together and make him smile.
The joy she brought him and the love she gave was endless. That little boy adored his Nanny, and he will grow up knowing about the million perfect moments she helped create for him in their 2 and a half years together.
This past Christmas was the first in many years Donna had her whole family together again under her roof, a day spent laughing, smiling and spreading joy as only she could. The day even included a walk to the park, swinging with her precious “boo boo” in her arms. A day we know she cherished, that her family will forever too.
Donna was an angel on earth. Her loved ones know she will always be with them, because when you love as deeply as she did, that love knows no bounds. Her family will carry her kindness, love and strength within them in all they do, knowing she is right there beside them, shining brightly and guiding the way.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut Street, ARLINGTON, on Wednesday, January 17th from 4-7PM. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Agnes Church, 30 Medford Street, Arlington, on Thursday, January 18th at 11:30am. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
For directions or to send a condolence visit www.keefefuneralhome.com
Donna was raised primarily in Westford, Massachusetts. She grew up close to her older brother, Petey. They both had fond memories of camping trips up in New Hampshire, something she would share years later with her own children. Her father was a career military member, and she adored him. It was from her father that she got her positive spirit and ability to keep her sense of humor through even the toughest of times.
Donna met her beloved Bob (Red to her) at a bowling alley in Lowell. She was there with friends and Bob was in a bowling league there with his brother. She spotted him across the room, waved him over and Bob knew then, that was it.
They married shortly after and have truly been inseparable the entirety of the last 47 years - best friends and soulmates, never spending a single day or night apart.
The two built a beautiful life together, raising their two sons, providing them a childhood of wonderful memories made: summer days spent camping at Peter’s Pond, trips to New Hampshire, years spent watching her boys playing baseball or soccer, attending school plays, making Halloween costumes and special birthday cakes. She was there for every moment big and small.
Donna simply spent her life in the service of others. She was a caregiver through and through. She worked in several hospitals, a nursing home, cared for a young girl in her town for several years, and then spent her recent years handling the immensely challenging role of caretaking for her own mother. Though her greatest joy was being a mother to her sons and nanny to her grandson.
Donna was the epitome of a selfless daughter, mother, wife, and nanny. She was warm, nurturing, thoughtful and deeply kind. Everyone who was blessed to be loved and cared for by Donna has been made better because of it.
Though you would be foolish to ever confuse her kindness for weakness, as Donna was also incredibly strong and taught her sons to be both strong and kind too.
She was a straight shooter, fiercely protective, and would tell you what you needed to hear good or bad. She knew how to handle any situation and would take charge and get things done whenever needed, a trait her family respected and admired as she came to their rescue on several occasions over the years.
She was so proud of her sons, for both their accomplishments and for the strength they’ve shown in overcoming their own obstacles in life. She was their greatest supporter, never shy about telling them just how special they are, how much she loved them, or how incredibly proud she was of them.
No one was more excited to be a grandparent, than Donna. And Noah too understood the beautiful bond his grandparents shared, typically saying “NannyPapa” as one word, always overjoyed jumping up and down waving out the window when they arrived. Donna loved being a “Nanny” to her “boo boo” more than anything. The love between Noah and Donna was so pure.
From walks around the neighborhood, Donna pushing Noah in his little blue car, waving and chatting, knowing Ashley & Derrick’s neighbors all by name, to holding Noah for hours on end dancing and singing to him (the only one who never minded Baby Shark on repeat for hours.) She’d swing and slide with him at the playground, spend hours with him splashing around in his inflatable pools, find him the perfect gifts to surprise him with - whatever his latest favorite was she was on it, always thinking of new ways to make the most of their time together and make him smile.
The joy she brought him and the love she gave was endless. That little boy adored his Nanny, and he will grow up knowing about the million perfect moments she helped create for him in their 2 and a half years together.
This past Christmas was the first in many years Donna had her whole family together again under her roof, a day spent laughing, smiling and spreading joy as only she could. The day even included a walk to the park, swinging with her precious “boo boo” in her arms. A day we know she cherished, that her family will forever too.
Donna was an angel on earth. Her loved ones know she will always be with them, because when you love as deeply as she did, that love knows no bounds. Her family will carry her kindness, love and strength within them in all they do, knowing she is right there beside them, shining brightly and guiding the way.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut Street, ARLINGTON, on Wednesday, January 17th from 4-7PM. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Agnes Church, 30 Medford Street, Arlington, on Thursday, January 18th at 11:30am. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
For directions or to send a condolence visit www.keefefuneralhome.com