SOUTHWICK – Donna A. (Robtoy) Hess, 83, (1942-2026) passed away on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center. She was born in Springfield to the late Felix and Eileen (Baker) Robtoy and, at the age of four, moved with her family to Westfield, where she spent most of her life.
Donna attended Prospect Hill Grammar School and graduated from Westfield High School with the Class of 1960. She was proudly known as one of the “Prospect Hill kids,” cherishing the friendships and memories she made growing up there. Donna dedicated most of her career to Arbella Insurance, until her retirement in 2008. She was known for her strong work ethic, kindness, and the genuine care she showed to everyone she encountered.
Family was always at the center of Donna’s life. She loved music, dancing, shopping, entertaining, and especially spending time with those she loved. Her home was often filled with laughter, warmth, and song, and she leaves behind a legacy of joy that touched everyone who knew her.
She was predeceased by her son, Ronald G. Hess, Jr. (2019), her brother Wayne Robtoy, her sister Doreen Beaulieu, and her parents Felix and Eileen Robtoy. Donna is survived by her loving husband, William Reed of Southwick; her daughter, Karen A. Hess of Southwick; her daughter-in-law, Tracy Hess of Southwick; her sister-in-law Karen Robtoy and Jim Wackerbarth of Granville; her niece Kristen Robtoy with Sarah Luther of Westfield; her cherished grandchildren Katrina Matt, Colin Hess, and Caroline Hess; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Bentley and Benjamin.
A funeral service for Donna will be held on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Visiting hours will precede the service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN or to the Westfield Animal Sanctuary, 232 Montgomery Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Online condolences may be expressed at www.firtionadams.com (http://www.firtionadams.com/).
Donna will be remembered for her warmth, her love of family, and the happiness she brought to others through music, laughter, and the simple joys of life.
