Donna M. Coticchia
February 24, 1946 - January 22, 2013
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Donna M. Coticchia
February 24, 1946 - January 22, 2013
Obituary
Donna M. Coticchia passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 unexpectedly due to illness. She is survived by her husband James, her son Peter, her daughter Ann Marie, her sister Ethel, her daughter-in-law Wendy, her son-in-law Dan, and her grandchildren Alexis and Madison. She is dearly missed by all of her family and the many friends and acquaintances whose lives she touched.
Donna M. Litzinger was born on February 24, 1946 in Erie, Pennsylvania to her parents Charles and Antonia (Henrietta). Donna treasured her parents, who she missed terribly after their passings in 1993 and 1994.
Donna and Jim met in high school, and were married on April 21, 1967. She was a caring and loving wife to Jim, and they were happily married for over 45 years. Donna and Jim moved several times during the early years of their marriage before settling for many years in Pittsburgh, PA.
Donna dedicated her life to her family. She was a devoted mother to Pete and Ann. Donna enjoyed working at her children’s school and volunteering to help out with their activities and team sports. She was also a devout member of her church, and her faith was a constant source of strength to her throughout her life.
In 2004, Donna and Jim moved to Mission Viejo, California to be close to her son and grandchildren. She maintained a close and loving relationship with her grandchildren, whom she was proud to care for and participated actively in their daily lives. She was a regular volunteer at the girls’ elementary school, and was well-known and liked there by students, parents, and teachers.
A memorial service for Donna will be held at O’Connor Mortuary, located at 25301 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills on Friday, January 25 starting at 1:00 pm. Friends and family are welcome to attend and to gather afterwards at Pete and Wendy’s home share their memories of Donna.
The Coticchia family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Kilian’s church in her name. The church can be reached at http://www.stkilianmissionviejo.org or by phone at (949) 586-4440. Thank you.
60 responses to Donna M. Coticchia
LuAnn Lane says:
January 25, 2013
Donna was the first grandmother to be a parent volunteer in my class. She worked with third graders last year, and this year, she helped both third and fourth graders. Every week we could depend on Donna to be at school with a smile and a desire to help students learn. Last year she was responsible for correcting grammar with the students. After a few weeks, she noticed many students came to her without the proper correcting tools. Being a generous volunteer, she brought enough pens to school so the students could start correcting without losing time looking for their supplies. To avoid the same problem the next week, she collected the pens at the end of the session, and stored the pens in a classroom cupboard for the following week. I greatly appreciated the way she solved that problem. This year she read a news magazine with the students and held interesting discussions to improve their reading comprehension. The students always enjoyed reading with her. Her playful sense of humor made learning fun. Donna was a dependable and effective volunteer. The students and I will miss her smile and the joy she brought to our classroom.
Mary Ann Glaze says:
January 25, 2013
Donna was not only my cousin, but she was my best friend. We talked countless hours on the phone beacuse of the distance from Georgia to Calif. We talked abou God and how good He has been to us. She never complained. In our last conversation, Donna told me that Madison was just kissing her arm and telling her how much she loved her. She was in love with Alexis and Madison!! I will forever be greatful for my talks with this Great lady! I miss her, but I know that she is rejoicing with the Lord AND I will see her again. My Love and prayers to you Jim, Peter, Wendy, Alexis, Madison and Ethel. Mary Ann
Ray & Janet Fischer says:
January 25, 2013
Dear Jim, Pete, & Ann, We will always cherish the great times we had together with our families playing cards, company trips, going to Disney, and freezing there in March. We wish we could enjoy Donna’ sauce and meatballs one more time. When I think of all the times either of us called to go out to eat, we’d drop everything and go. You’re in our prayers and our hearts. Ray & Janet Fischer family.
Rick Reddell says:
January 25, 2013
Lit a candle in memory of Donna M. Coticchia
Sherrie Suski says:
January 25, 2013
Pete, Wendy and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss! We will always remember Donna as one of the kindest, sweetest people we have ever met. I remember meeting her when the girls were all at Castille together and she was so proud of her grand-daughters. As the years passed I saw her less often, but no matterhow long it had been, she always remembered little tidbits about our lives that I had long forgotten. Always making it a point to ask how a certain situation had worked out. What a wonderful person who had an impact on so many lives. You are all in our prayers.
Love, Ed, Sherrie and kids