Madonna Mae Farina

Madonna Mae “Donna” Farina, 80, of Upton and formerly of Sudbury, died on Sunday, December 17, 2023. She was born in Appleton, WI on January 26, 1943 to the late Lyle and Rose (Heimermann) McGinnis.

Donna attended catholic school in Kaukauna, WI. She was a member of the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists. She was an avid reader all her life. After graduating from high school early, she worked at a bank, then later as a court stenographer.

In 1963, she met and married Michael Farina who was enlisted in the Navy. They lived on St. Simon Island, GA, then stationed in San Diego, CA. In 1967, they relocated to Massachusetts to help with the family business at Wayland Country Club. They settled in Sudbury, MA. Ultimately, they were divorced in 1972.

Donna’s love for her family was evident in everything she did. She loved unconditionally and being a mother and grandmother were her greatest joys in life. Donna was generous with friends and family. Her door was always open and everyone was welcomed.

She had a quick wit, was creative, and was beautiful inside and out. Donna designed store displays for the former Deerskin Trading Post, painted, and created beautiful stained glass art. Donna was also a survivor of polio.

Donna lived in Sudbury for 36 years, raising her children. In 2003, she moved to Upton, MA to be closer to her grandchildren. Donna worked at Raytheon Company for over 30 years, starting as a secretary and working her way up to building and maintaining databases at the corporate headquarters.

She is survived by her two children Ann (Ernest) Suazo and Philip Farina and partner Lena. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Isabella (Justen) Brown, Gabriella Suazo and partner Avery; Ashley, Amanda, Melanie, and Rose Farina. Great-grandchildren Milana, Aubree, Grayson, and Aaden. She is also survived by her former husband Michael P. Farina and dear friend Jeff VanNest.

Donna is from a family of nine and has countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is also survived by sisters Joan Hue, Rosemarie Lake, MaryAnn (Phillip) Debruin; brothers William McGinnis, Thomas (Mary) McGinnis; and sister-in-law Mary McGinnis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Ramona (Tony) Welhouse, Margaret (David) Hartshorne; brothers Lyle McGinnis and Theodore McGinnis; and in-laws Donald Hue, Martin Lake, Georgiana McGinnis and Philip and Beatrice Farina.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, December 27, in St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 151 Mendon Street, Upton.  Burial will be held privately.

A calling hour will precede the funeral Mass from 9 to 10 A.M. in the Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, Upton.

In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association via www.alz.org