Dona Puette

Dona Joan Puette died quietly on the evening of September 6, 2014 with her two children at her side. Born in Erie on April 4, 1941, to Madelon Nicholson and J. Norman Eakin, Dona lived her all of her 73 years in the city she loved.

After attending Millcreek High School, Dona graduated from the Orra-Jean Beauty Academy, fulfilling her dream of becoming a licensed beautician. She continued doing the hair of her family and friends at her kitchen table long after she stopped working professionally-sit long enough in Dona’s kitchen, and eventually your hair would be permed. She loved to entertain, and the home where she and former husband James Puette raised their kids was almost always full with neighbors and family eating, playing cards, and swimming in the backyard pool while Dona floated among them keeping company.

Dona went on to have many diverse jobs later in life, but perhaps the one that gave her the most joy was working for many years as a nurse’s aide at Fairview Manor where she was adored by residents and staff alike. The folks who lived there lit up when they saw her walking down the hallway toward them, and she got the same joy from being around them and bearing witness to the stories they told of lives gone by. She had a patience of heart and a joy for service that was wonderful to witness.

Dona was preceded in death by her beloved parents, sister Gretchen Eakin, step-father John D. Blair and long-time partner James Langiewicz.

She is already dearly missed by sisters Dian Moses, Patsy Blair, and Beth Zelina; brothers Tom Eakin and Johnny Blair; grandchildren Nick Burch, Samantha Puette and Wyatt St. Amant; more nieces, nephews, and in-laws than you can shake a stick at; and of course her children, Deborah and Joel Puette.

A private celebration of her life has been planned, and it will definitely involve laughter, Smith’s hot dogs, and Pepsi with lots of ice, all in memory of a strong, beautiful woman who loved and was loved by so many.