Obituary of Donna M. Taft

Donna M. Taft, 90, of Jamestown, passed away Thursday, December 12, 2019 with her granddaughter by her side at UPMC Chautauqua. She was the widow of Philip A. Taft whom she married June 19, 1948 and who died December 13, 2016. Donna was born December 23, 1928 in Jamestown, daughter of the late Russell F. and Gladys Berglund Peterson, and was a 1946 graduate of Jamestown High School. In early years, she was employed as a secretary in the law office of the late Tuby Scarpino. For many years she also served as an officer of the Diana Lodge Independent Order of Vikings, and was a member of TOPS. Following meetings, a good dinner was always enjoyed with good friends. Like her late husband, Donna enjoyed many summers on the porch with family at the Viking trailer park. As a homemaker, she raised her three children and in addition cared for and helped raise many nieces, nephews and her granddaughter. She loved children, their laughter and the energy they brought to her life. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, trips to the Casino and reading the many books from the James Prendergast Library. Surviving are two daughters: Nancy Curry and Susan (Michael McKenzie) Taft; daughter-in-law, Debbie Taft; and granddaughter, Lisa (Charlie) Piazza, all of Jamestown. Also surviving is a sister, Carol Samuelson and brother, Rodney "Pete" Peterson, both of Jamestown; as well as several nieces and nephews who she loved as her own. She treasured her caregivers and their friendship that assisted her and her husband over the past few years, Natasha Sundquist, Deb Gleason, Judy Wroda and Jolynn Stearns. In addition to her husband Philip, she was preceded in death by their son, Larry Taft who passed away April 3, 2015; and two sisters, Betty Classon and Beverly Laurin. A private family gathering and celebration will take place. Visitation will not be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society; James Prendergast Library Assoc.; or the Village of Falconer Volunteer Fire Department.