Obituary for Jean Catherine Donati (Schabacker)
Jean Schabacker Donati, longtime resident of Williamstown, died May 5th, 2023. Her husband Richard (Ric) died before her in 1994. She was the daughter of Maud (Bailey) and H. Eric Schabacker, born November 13, 1926, in Erie, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Strong Vincent High School, she graduated from Colby Junior College (now Colby-Sawyer College) and then Wheaton College in Norton, MA.
In 1966, Jean accepted a job at Williams College as manager of the Berkshire Symphony. She was a dedicated member of the First Congregational Church for over 50 years. She volunteered for more than 25 years at the North Adams Regional Hospital, was president of the Williamstown Community Chest, and was a board member of, or worked with, United Cerebral Palsy, the League of Women Voters, the American Cancer Society, the Red Cross bloodmobile, meals-on-wheels, and the Williamstown Chamber Music Society.
She is survived by her children: Lisa (Paul) Mayer, Gianni, Nina, Cino, Martino (Anne Kennerley), and Stefano; a growing number of beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister Sarah Rodenberger and her husband Bruce, "honorary children" Laura and Stephen Dankner, and numerous dear friends, to whom she was grateful for the love and attention they showed, particularly in her last years, which were complicated by Parkinson's disease.
Jean requested that her body be given to Albany Medical College, after which her ashes will join Ric's in Williamstown's Eastlawn Cemetery. A more comprehensive notice can be viewed at legacy.com. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
In 1966, Jean accepted a job at Williams College as manager of the Berkshire Symphony. She was a dedicated member of the First Congregational Church for over 50 years. She volunteered for more than 25 years at the North Adams Regional Hospital, was president of the Williamstown Community Chest, and was a board member of, or worked with, United Cerebral Palsy, the League of Women Voters, the American Cancer Society, the Red Cross bloodmobile, meals-on-wheels, and the Williamstown Chamber Music Society.
She is survived by her children: Lisa (Paul) Mayer, Gianni, Nina, Cino, Martino (Anne Kennerley), and Stefano; a growing number of beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister Sarah Rodenberger and her husband Bruce, "honorary children" Laura and Stephen Dankner, and numerous dear friends, to whom she was grateful for the love and attention they showed, particularly in her last years, which were complicated by Parkinson's disease.
Jean requested that her body be given to Albany Medical College, after which her ashes will join Ric's in Williamstown's Eastlawn Cemetery. A more comprehensive notice can be viewed at legacy.com. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.