Obituary of Donna Maria Pollucci

Donna Maria Pollucci April 17, 1957 - March 12, 2012 It was a sad day on earth but a glorious day in heaven when Donna Maria Pollucci entered into eternal peace with her family by her side on March 12, 2012, after a long and valiant battle with breast cancer. She remained courageous, optimistic and determined throughout her battle and always had a smile for all of those who helped care for her. She truly "fought like a girl". The youngest child of the late George Pollucci and Cecilia Perrone Pollucci, she was born in Rockville Centre on April 17, 1957. Growing up, Donna attended West Hempstead High School where she was a member of the track and softball teams as well as the volleyball and basketball teams. She held the state record in the 100-yard dash and was awarded a four-year, full-tuition athletic scholarship to the University of Indiana. She also was judged the most physically fit high school senior girl in Nassau County in a competition held by the NY State Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation. She went on to graduate from Cortland University with a degree in Physical Education. For the past 25 years, Donna, together with her business partner and close friend, Joan Scumaci, was the co-owner and operator of Hudson Valley Awards Inc., a women owned business established in 1987. She was an active member of the ARA Awards & Recognition Association and earned her CRM (Certified Recognition Master) designation. She served on the Board of Directors for the association and received the following awards: Volunteer of the Year, the Founders Award and Retailer of the Year award. She was also an active member of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and she and Joan were awarded their Ed Lloyd Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1995. She leaves behind to cherish her memories her partner in life for the past 21 years, Kathy Lent (Kath), her sister Lorraine and her companion, Donald, her brother George and his wife Grace, 3 nieces, 2 nephews and their spouses, 7 great-nieces, 3 great nephews, numerous cousins, and her extended family-Kathy's father, daughter, 5 grandchildren, 2 sisters and a brother along with their spouses and children. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory, no one can steal. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 15 at Donovan's Funeral Home, 82 South Church Street, Goshen. A service will be held on Friday March 16 at 10 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, South Church Street, Goshen. Cremation will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newburgh. The family would like to extend their gratitude to all her physicians at the Crystal Run Health Care Center, with a special thanks to Dr. Kondagunta and all the staff at the Chemotherapy unit, as well as to all the staff at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence for all the care and compassion given to Donna as well as to all the support they offered to the family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence at 1 Sunrise Lane, Newburgh, NY 12553.