WESTFIELD: Donna Louise Onofrey (Krause), 66, (1955-2021) of Westfield, passed away Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Baystate Hospital in Springfield, MA after a brief illness. Donna was the daughter of the late Ruth and Ernest Krause. Donna is also the daughter-in-law of the late Joyce and Bill Onofrey. Donna grew up in Hampton Ponds where she ice skated in the winter, and swam and went boating in the summer with her friends and sisters. After graduating from Westfield High School in 1974, Donna began her career as a customer service representative at Heritage Bank in Westfield, and went on to hold a number of office management positions in local Westfield businesses. She found deep satisfaction in her work before retiring in 2010.
Donna is survived by her loving husband and best friend Chris Onofrey. She married Chris, the love of her life, in 1976 and enjoyed 45 years of marriage. During those years, they traveled often, and enjoyed vacations in Hawaii, Florida, Cape Cod and Maine. They enjoyed walking on ocean beaches and in state parks. Closer to home, they loved to set out on long rides in the countryside to discover new places to visit and eat lunch. Donna and Chris also entertained at their home, where they shared dinners and BBQs with family and friends. Donna especially enjoyed entertaining in her beautiful backyard and hosting large pool parties. Many of her nieces and nephews have fond memories of summers there, learning to swim under Donna’s guidance. She also loved gardening with Chris, where they maintained the best groomed yard in Western Mass.
In addition to her husband and soul mate Chris, Donna is survived by a large family of siblings, including her sister Sue Krause and partner Celia Klin, of Binghamton, NY, Carol Krause of Chicopee, Linda Krause of Westfield, Roberta Krause of Holyoke, Barbara and her husband Steve Christie of Hudson, MA, and her brother Ernest Krause of New Haven, CT. Donna also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will miss her deeply.
A private funeral will be at Firtion Adams Funeral Home in Westfield. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in memory of Donna to a local charity or the American Cancer Society. www.firtionadams.com
