Donna L. Clarke of Milton, Massachusetts died unexpectedly on October 27th, 2024.
Donna was raised in Middletown, New Jersey to the late David McKeown, Joan McKeown Foy and her second husband Walter Foy Sr. She was a beloved sibling of Lynn McKeown Murry, Tracy McKeown, Walter Lawrence Foy Jr., Carolyn Foy, and the late Susan Foy. She is survived by her children, John and Meredith Clarke. She had a number of nieces and nephews she loved dearly.
She started her nursing career in 1974 at Boston College and continued as a proud nurse for 44 years after graduating. Donna has saved countless lives in the decades she spent as a trauma one emergency room nurse. She mentored hundreds of new nurses as they started their careers. Donna had a passion for medicine, helping others, and providing comfort during challenging times. She was generous in her love, time, and support. You could easily spot Donna from far away in her bright Lily Pulitzer dresses and luminous smile. Donna was a talented seamstress, knitter, and Nantucket basket weaver. She was passionate about running and playing tennis. Donnaβs gardens were immaculate, as she nursed hydrangeas, lilacs, cherry blossoms and more. She was a bright spot in the lives of many.
There will be a private memorial held by the family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Claddagh Fund https://www.claddaghfund.org/
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Condolences
November 22, 2024
Mary Spatola McCourt
Dear John and Meredith, I was so sorry and saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved mom. I always enjoyed our conversations years ago at the pool. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very sad time. Mary McCourt
November 19, 2024
Susan Law Dalton
I was saddened by the news of Donna's passing. We went to high school together. Offering prayers for her and her family.
November 19, 2024
Catherine Garguilo
A former classmate at MDHS, we had reconnected in the last few years. She was so proud of her children and spoke so well of them. Her love of nursing and desire to continue was evident in our conversation. May she rest in peace and may her family be comforted with the memory of all they meant to her. God bless you and keep you.
November 19, 2024
Jude Lark
Donna had a smile that lit up the room and I have many fond memories of our times together. Sending love and hugs to Donna's family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Donna. -Jude
November 18, 2024
Ginny Harrington
Donna and I were great friends in our formative years. I was so sad when I heard of the news of her sudden passing. She always had the best smile and love for life. I send my love to her sister Lynn who always made he smile when our paths crossed. Tracy .. I send my condolences to you also. Your Mom was such wonderful friend to my own mom.. Ginny Clabby.. Praying for your family and to Donna's..
November 18, 2024
Colette Fleming-Commisso
So sorry to hear about the tragic death of Donna McKeown, as I knew her. Always full of fun, it's hard to believe she's gone. Condolences to Donna's siblings and her children. I wish you peace and strength in mourning her loss. Colette Fleming-Commisso (MDHS friend)
November 09, 2024
Tracy McKeown
Today, we sent our final goodbyes, to my sister, Donna. I will miss her forever. The mountain got too steep, and the climb got too hard for her body and soul. But, she gave it a valiant try. Thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers. Thank you to anyone, who reached out a helpful hand. We love you , Donna. You can finally rest now.β€οΈππ
November 08, 2024
Lisa Carr
We are saddened to learn about the passing of Donna. Sending our sincere condolences to her family & friends. πππ Lisa & Christopher Carr
November 07, 2024
Leslie Ajl
I worked with Donna for many years and am so sad to hear of her passing. She was a wonderfully warm and deeply caring person and my heart is with her family as they deal with this incredible loss. Wishing everyone peace and comfort. Leslie Ajl
November 06, 2024
Laura Duprat Carleu
Rest in peace Donna. I will keep the many fond memories of time spent together both in the ED and outside of work close to my heart.
November 04, 2024
Kathleen Sussek
I'm saddened to learn about Donna. We worked together for several years at BI of which I have wonderful memories. She was a good friend during difficult times. My thoughts and prayers for her children and siblings. Kathleen Sussek
November 04, 2024
Sharon Shepperd
Donna was a great friend to me through high school and beyond. We shared many fun times and I am fortunate for those memories. Rest in peace my friend. Sending hugs to Donna's family.
November 04, 2024
Patty Glennon (Colby)
As so many others, I worked with Donna in the ED at BIDMC. She was always so thoughtful and caring to patients, families and co-workers. She was constantly in control, never flustered by the chaos of the emergency room. I'll always remember her beautiful smile. My heart goes out to her family during this terribly sad time. God Bless.
November 04, 2024
Mary Comerford
To Donna's family so sorry to hear this horrible news. Donna i'm glad we ran into each other recently and had a nice chat. May you RIP Mary Comerford
November 04, 2024
Yole Morocco-foley
I worked with Donna for many years in the ER at BIDMC She was smart and competent and wonderful to work with in this busy high acuity setting. I also remember many good times outside of work She truly was beautiful inside and out. When I was hospitalized many years ago she always came to see me offering words of encouragement which helped me greatly. I will never forget her smile and I feel blessed to have known her My condolences to her family. Yole Morocco-foley
November 03, 2024
Teresa Shelton
Sending Tracy and the family my deepest condolences and Prayers. May the fond memories with your sister sustain you during this difficult timeππΎ Teresa Shelton,RN
November 03, 2024
Gerry Sanderson
Donna and I were nurses in the "0ld" BI ER on Brookline Ave together. I oriented her to emergency nursing but as I recall she didn't need much direction. She was an exceptional coworker, nurse and friend. She was funny and very quick to smile. She was definitely the best dressed nurse in the ER.I really loved her. We also shared love of knitting but she definitely was far more talented then I. She taught me alot. I am so sorry I lost touch with her but I will think of her often. Sending love and prayers to all that have lost this beautiful person.
November 03, 2024
Linda Denekamp
I was very saddened to learn of Donna's tragic death. Donna was a dear colleague for many years at BIDMC, where we shared many laughs as well as work challenges. I will always remember her smile, petite Talbot's outfits, her Poi pond and artichoke square recipe!My sincere condolences to her entire family. Donna, rest in peace!
November 03, 2024
Colleen Quinn Sainato
Thoughts and prayers to her family during this difficult time ππ»
Tributes
Sharon Shepperd planted 10 trees in memory of Donna L. Clarke . - November 04, 2024
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