Donna (Risley) Whelan

Donna Risley Whelan, born on Dec. 23,1933, passed away on June 25, 2018 in Milford at the age of 84, with her family and friends by her side.  She was the beloved wife for 57 years of Robert J. Whelan. In addition to her husband she was predeceased by her parents Donald and Ruth Risley, her son Tom Whelan and her brother Bill Risley. She was the loving mother of Bob Whelan of Milford, Mary Ruth Whelan of California and Katie Williams-Cooper (husband Dennis) of Milford.  She was the proud grandmother of Jose Whelan, Mary Claire Whelan, Chuck Williams (Jen), Marisa Edo (Brandon), Jason Williams, Dennis Cooper, Julia Holthaus (Ryan), Adam Cooper (Stacy) and Alison LoRusso (Brandon).  She was the great-grandmother of Hayden, Aubrey, Camryn and Jack Holthaus, and Charlie Williams.  She was also survived by her brother, John Risley of Willimantic and her sister-in- law, Denise Risley of Avon and many nieces and nephews and their families.  

Donna was a proud graduate of the University of Connecticut and earned a Masters degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University. She was a devoted 7th and 8th grade math and science teacher in  the Milford Public Schools for more than 25 years before her retirement. 

Donna logged thousands of hours as a volunteer at Milford Hospital and proudly served as the Milford Hospital Auxiliary's President. She was an active member of the Milford Senior Center.  She loved to travel and especially enjoyed regular trips to Florida, Maine, Cape Cod, California, and any place where they played blackjack and Texas Hold' em. She was a voracious reader and loved her Book Club.  She played Bridge three times a week with an amazing set of friends, some of whom she played with for more than 50 years. She swam regularly at the Milford YMCA  with a group of friends she referred to as the "Aqua Divas." She was a smart, loving, caring woman who will be missed by her family and many friends.

Friends and family may call on Saturday, June 30th, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm in The Gregory F Doyle Funeral Home, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford.  Interment will be private.

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