Donna Rossignoll Harris

"Because of her, we laughed a little harder, cried a little less and smiled a lot more.

Donna Rossignoll Harris of Destin, Florida passed away on February 15, 2021 in the loving presence of her family.

Born in Salem, MA on October 29, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Marion (Trudeau) Rossignoll.  Growing up in Danvers, MA, Donna graduated from St. Mary's Elementary School in 1965, and Danvers High School, Class of 1969 before getting her BS degree in Education at Eastern Connecticut University in 1973.  Over the years, Donna's many talents found her employed at a wide variety of jobs, retiring as Director of Volunteer Services at Parkland Hospital in New Hampshire.  Donna married Mark Harris and they happily spent 32 years together raising two sons, Scott and Gregg, their pride and joy.  Donna and Mark's whole life revolved around those boys and the four of them enjoyed life to the fullest.  Donna created lots of great memories and good laughs on family vacations they took together and it is without dispute that no one was better at organizing a trip.  Everyone felt right at home on Woodbine Street in Reading because Donna had that special gift of making kids, family and friends feel welcome, ensuring that everyone had delicious food to eat as well as a day of laughter and fun.  Those fortunate enough to know Donna and Mark cherish many happy memories celebrating birthdays, Super Bowl Sunday or just about any excuse for a party.  

Tragically, ten years ago, Donna lost both parents and her beloved Mark within a span of six months.  In the following years, the marriages of Scott and Gregg to "the best daughter-in laws ever," and the birth of her cherished grandchildren brought renewed joy and happiness to her life.  She relocated to her parents' condo in Destin, Florida and continued to return home every year to see her family.  During her time in Destin, Donna developed and maintained many close friendships with her wonderful neighbors, as well as the many friendships she built after becoming a member of the Elks Lodge.  Lucky to find love once again, Donna married Frank Colbert on October 24, 2020 and together they were planning an RV trip North next summer but, sadly, it was not meant to be.

Donna leaves her husband Frank Colbert of Destin, Florida, her son Scott and his wife Adriana Harris and their children, Ava and Joseph of Danvers, MA and her son Gregg and his wife Jennifer Harris of Peabody, MA.  She also leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews and many lifelong close friends who loved her like family.

Funeral arrangements are private, and a celebration of Donna's life will be held at a later date.  Memorial donations may be made in Donna's honor to St. Jude Children's Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html