Donna Strok Obituary

To Donna's family & friends,

My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you in your time of loss. I met Donna & Dave many years ago working at Heilig Meyers. They were a matched made in heaven!! Always watching out for each other and everyone else. I lost touch with Donna after leaving Heilig Meyers but I always carried her with me. She was always there to talk to about EVERYTHING!! I will never forget her sitting at the table with her black eyeliner and her lighter...lighting the eyeliner always made it go on darker! :) She always had a smile on her face and cheer in heart! Donna touched SO many lives....more than she ever knew and she will NEVER be forgotten for the beautiful person she was! She always talked about how proud she was of her family especially her daugthers and grandchildren....family meant EVERYTHING to her. Please know my prayers are with all of you! God Bless~

Love, Deanna Martin

Family of Donna Strok,



I would like to express my deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of Donna. I remember Donna from our days at Santa Lucia and the HSA, Donna was always so funny and helpful, whenever we were planning an event she would always volunteer to get whatever was needed and of course she always had stories to tell. We had such fun times. I was happy that I was able to attend the benefit for her last year and to see how happy she was to see old friends. When I was Christmas shopping last year late at night, I heard someone say Hi Jeanne, I thought who else could be out at this crazy hour and I turned around and it was Donna and her family, we talked for a few minutes and she said she was doing fine, I admired her spirit and wished her well. I was unable to attend her services because I was out of town. My prayers and thoughts to the family and may the loving memories you have of Donna help you thru this difficult time.



Sincerely

Jeanne Garofalo

To Donna’s Family:



I am so happy that I was able to get to know Donna in the last couple of years. She was one of the friendliest people I have ever met and everyone loved her. She had a special gift of making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. After having known her for just a short time, I felt like I had known her for years!



I will always remember Donna for her remarkable courage, positive outlook, sense of humor, and quick smile. She touched the hearts of all those with whom she came in contact.



My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Dear Dave, Donna, Ralph, Diana and Carrie,



My heart is heavy for your loss.



I, too, walked the long road of Donna's illness on a daily basis. Donna trusted my nursing judgement. If I could not answer Donna's question, she would tell me to call my daughter, Mary Beth, who is also a nurse. Donna always wanted to know if there was anything else she needed to do to control her illness. Donna called me her "right shoulder angel."



Our friendship was not just based on Donna's illness. It was a friendship of love.



As we all know, Donna could become very head strong on issues. Donna kept telling me that I needed to buy a new car. The car I was driving was a well-maintained, garage kept car that served me well. Those facts didn't matter to Donna. She was relentless on the subject and yes, she won out.



We went to a local dealership to look at cars. Donna told me that I was "a damn good nurse, but dumb about cars." She told me not to open my mouth until she told me that I could.



I never said a word. Donna did all of the talking. To this day, I don't know how Donna pulled off the transaction. We left the dealership with Donna having maneuvered a seven thousand dollar reduction in the sticker price. I couldn't believe it. We pulled out of the dealership in my new car and went out to dinner. We laughed and laughed and laughed.



Donna was wonderful to work with and just to be with. I loved our long telephone calls. We talked about anything and everything from world politics to our grandkids.



Donna loved being part of people's lives. But, when she got head strong, there was no stopping her. I will miss her so much.



I am so privileged to be part of the group that is having a tree planted in Donna's memory in your neighborhood park. It is so appropriate that the plaque will read, "Hope Blooms," with Donna's name, the year of her birth and the year of her death on the cement and bronze marker.



Donna never lost hope. Donna was and always will be my hope. She was a spirited, strong-willed person as we know, as I now drive the appropriately named, "Donna Mobile."



You are in my thoughts and prayers and if there is anything I can do to help you now or whenever, please call me.



Love,



As Donna called me, "SMO"



Sally Owens

To the Strok and Biamonte Families,



I can't even begin to put into words how sorry and sad I am for your families. Donna was a wonderful woman who loved you all so much. I am grateful to have been able to be a part of her life. I want you all to know that I am here for you with whatever you need. I love you all and continue to keep you in my prayers.



To my homey Donna,

I will miss you so much. Thank you for your humor, your constant upbeat attitude, your courage and for giving me my best friend, my roomie. I will forever remember Sunday nights at your house, coffee and conversation around the table and of course the hundreds of laughs we all shared. I love you Donna and will ALWAYS remember!

To Donna's family....



Know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.



While I never had the pleasure of meeting your mom in person, I spoke with her on the phone many times when I would call Bridgeview to talk to my mother. By the time I was through talking to your mom, I had forgotten what I called for!

:-)



Take comfort in knowing that your mom touched many lives. Her spirit, her hope and the love that she had for all of you will always be remembered.



May God comfort you and keep you in His care,



Margie

(Sally's daughter)

Dear Strok Family,



By the time I heard the bad news, it was Friday night...I'm deeply saddened for not knowing in time to be able to pay my last respects to Donna. I ran into her a few months back in the gas station on 31st & Normal, I asked her how she was doing & as usual, she smiled & said she was ok...I hugged her & said 'take care.' I will never forget her vibrant personality & beautiful smile. I'm sure she's in heaven smiling down upon all of you, she LOVED her family so much. Keep the faith, & remember she's in a better place now watching over all of you smiling from above sending you all love.

Dear Dave, Donna & Diana



Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family on the tragic loss of your Mother. My brother Jim and I suddenly and unexpectedly lost our Mom just last Saturday. Her burial took place on Thursday April 15th.



Later that evening I received a call from a cousin who noticed the Strok name in the obituaries. I was shocked. My wife's name also is Donna Strok. About 10-11 years ago my wife received a call from your Mom regarding an issue with some kind of credit card. As they spoke information was exchanged that indicated that we may be related. Your Dad and I spoke over the phone to discover our grandfathers were brothers(Conon and Sam) making us cousins. Later that year we held our annual family picnic and your Mom and Dad showed up. After a few moments of conversation with your Mom and Dad myself, my wife and Jim and his wife Lisa felt like we knew them for years. Your Dad popped in on the picnic the following year for a quick visit but had to go so he could join your Mom and be with his family and enjoy the birth of thier first grandchild.



Unfortunately as families grow life goes on and we lost touch with each other. I'm just so sad that it took the tragic loss of your Mom passing to be in contact again.



Regretfully I could not attend the visitation due to our own family matters, looking after my Mom's husband and supporting him during his loss as well. My (our) cousin Paul was going to represent our families and express our sympathy.



Respectfully,

Steve, Donna, Mike, Jonathan and Kristen Strok

Dear Diana,

I am very sorry for the loss of your mother. I never was graced enough to meet her but along the way i always heard from you about her health. A loss of anyone is very hard and just want to say you will always have a shoulder to cry on or a friend to talk to.You and your family will always be in my prayers. And to your mother,a small prayer,



God saw you getting tired and the cure was not to be, so He put his arms around you and whispered " come to me". With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and saw you fade away, although we loved you dearly we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, your hard workin hands to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. God be with you for eternity. God bless you



Your friend,



Jeff

I have known Donna since I was a little girl and every memory I have of her includes a smile. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt and I know she will be missed by every one. My heart goes out to Donna and Diana, for they have not only lost their mother, but they have lost their friend.

Dear Dave, Donna & Diana



I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have been friends with your Mom since high school. I remember when she brought Donna home. Words can't tell you how I feel. She was a great friend and and this is a huge loss for all who knew her. I know she will be watching over all of you.



Her friend always,



Mary Ellen

Donna and Diana-

I am so sorry for your loss, this must be such a hard time for you family right now. You are in my thoughts and prayers.



Angela Garofalo

Dear Strok and Biamonte Families,



Our deepest condolences for your loss.

You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Dave and Family,
I had the fortunate opportunity of knowing Donna over the last few years and can honestly say she was one of a kind. That kind being what makes this world a better place to live in. May her zestful spirit always remain a force in your lives and guide you in your darkest hours.

Dave, Diana, Donna & Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Donna was such a great person and did not deserve to go through what she did. Just remember that she is in a better place now, with her Dad. I included a picture in here. It is the only one I have of your mom and this is how I will remember her, smiling and happy. If any of you need anything, I am only a phone call away. I will miss Donna and she will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Katie

Dear Dave and Family,



I was very saddened to hear about your loss. Please accept my condolences. Always remember the great times. I know your family from Carpenter Street. Went to school with both of you at St. Mary's. Donna was always smiling and I remember the doll houses you used to make Dave...they were gorgeous. I will keep your family in my special thoughts and prayers. Take care.

Diana..

My prayers and sympathy go to you and your family. Mama D will always be an Inspiration to Me, and hold a place in my heart. Although I havent known her as long as most, The memories i do have are the greatest and will always remain. Whether it was Dancing around the salon to her favorite channel of *Retro Disco*, Or Our Ice Age Reenactments Of Sid & Manny in the Salon Breakroom, she Always put a smile on My Face and made me laugh. Not only was she comical, she had a huge heart that she extended to anyone and everyone. she will be forever missed.

Are family sends are deepest sorrows to the family an mostly the girls. I still can't believe that your gone Donna. I want to think that this i just a dream. It just hard for me, to believe it, but your in a better an special place you won't hurt anymore or be in any pain. I wish we could have spent sometime together as adults an shared are lives together. little Donna an diana I'm here for yous if you need anything. Love Cathy..

Diana,



I am sorry about your mother. I want to extend my condolences and prayers to you and your family. We have only been friends for a short time and I never really got to know your mom and I feel I've missed out on meeting a truly wonderful woman. She did a great job raising you. I know there will never be enough words to fill the void her absence is going to leave you but just remember she loved you and a least some measure of your heart will be filled with those memories. Be brave and don't be afraid to lean on your friends and family.

Hi mom, its me again.. Just wanted to say that its another day gone by and I miss you so terribly, words cant ever say how much I miss you. Don't worry about anything up there Mom, you left us in great hands down here. Just like your Sissy took care of u,my sissy is gonna make sure I am ok, and we are going to make sure Daddy is ok. We all miss you so much mom. Dad misses you to mom , and I know you can hear him talking to you. But he knows you left cause you were hurting. I left you a message on your phone, call it up when you get a chance, and listen to it. I know your probably busy up their telling someone off :) You fought till your last breath. YOU will NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER be forgotten in our eyes MOM. NEVER. I love you with all my heart and soul mom. And again I will see you up there.



I love you MOMMY ..

Your baby Diana

To the Donna Strok Family,



My deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of Donna. Donna was a real fighter of her illness and it saddened me deeply to know she lost her battle. Donna was a great neighbor and I will miss her very much. You will all be in my prayers.

To the Strok family. Just wanted to express our sadness for your loss. Donna will be missed.We will keep her in our prayers and thoughts.

Dear Dave, Donna, and Diana



I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom losing a Mom at your age is not easy I know. I will miss seeing your Mom at church and Jewel it is always good to see someone from the neighborhood (Bridgeport)we had great times on HSA together your mom could always makes us laugh. I'm sorry but I won't be able to attend any of the services. But know your family is in my prayers and thoughts.

Be strong take care of each other.

Maria Smith

Candles of Hope



I said a little Prayer,

To God in Heaven up there,

That he might lend an ear,

To friends so precious and dear.



I lit a candle of hope today,

And asked God hear the words I say,

Lord bless those needing this the most,

Shelter them with an angelic host.



Let them know a light is shining,

Bring within it a silver lining,

Grant them hope and courage today,

Hear oh Lord, my words I pray



To Diana & Family:



I would like to convey my deepest sympathy to you for your great loss. You and your family are in all my thoughts and prayers!

From our family to yours – our deepest condolences.

Godbless.

DONNA & FAMILY

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. KNOW THAT YOUR MOM IS IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE SHE FOUGHT LONG AND HARD. IM HERE FOR YOU DONNA WHENEVER YOU NEED TO TALK OR ANYTHING ELSE. KNOW SHE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU ALWAYS!! NOW JAY AND DONNA CAN REALLY TALK ABOUT US NOW.

Mom,

It's me again.I also wanted you to know That you are ONE OF A KIND.I can't take your place but I can do the great job you did taking care of us.No one can take your place unique people like you only come around once in a lifetime.you are the BEST MOM.I'll LOVE YOU FOREVER, YOUR DAUGHTER DONNA

Mom,

Words can't describe how I feel.I still can't believe you left me and our family.I'm not mad at you for this I'm happy that your not in anymore pain.I took care of you the best I knew how and I could only hope I did my best.You only deserved the best nothing less.I made you a promise that if anything happened to you I would take over I and I will keep my promise.As long as I always have you guiding me I'm not scared.You did such a great job and you taught me well.Everything I know I learned from you.Please don't worry your in a place now were everything is worry free and no such thing as pain.Always watch over us and as long as you do I'll feel more secure.This is my time now to grow up.Even being the mother of 3 children I was still a kid because you were here.I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! YOUR DAUGHTER DONNA

To the Strok Family,

Our family would like to express

our sadness at the passing of

Donna. She was an inspiration

to everyone during this horrible

illness. She touched so many

lives and she will be truly missed.

May God give you the strength during

this time of mourning.



You are in our prayers and may

God Bless all of you.



Sincerely,



Vince, Carol and Lisa Fratto

we use to play together when we were kids, an I will miss Donna very much. Love Cathy

Mommy, I just wanted to say that I dont know how I am going to be able to live without you day in and day out. I wish you didn't have to leave me so soon. I hope your happy up there with the big dog. I know your out of pain now, and you can sleep good at nite. NO MORE PAIN MOMMY.. I miss you , and I will meet you up there. I LOVE YOU TILL NO END AND I WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU.