Donna L. Rano

Donna L. Rano secured her heavenly wings Saturday, July 16th, 2022 peacefully surrounded by her husband and family. She leaves behind the love of her life, Richard (Dick) and 6 children, Gary (Johnna), Chris, Dennis, Michele (Edward), Linda (J) and Rick (Tess); 15 loving grandchildren and 18 precious great-grandchildren; sisters, Phyl (Dean), Michele (Bernie); brother, Micky (Santina) and many dear nieces and nephews. Her parents, Michael and Louise Laurienzo; brothers, Robert (Patty), Lawrence (Sharon) and baby sister, Barbara Claire preceded her in death. Donna was born February 12, 1933 in Hibbing, MN. She was raised in a loving large Italian family, attended Assumption Hall Catholic Grade School and graduated from Hibbing High where her and Dick's love story began in 10th grade English class. They married in 1956, moved to California and started their own family while Dick served in the U.S. Marines Corp. Donna's focus was raising their 6 children and supporting Dick while he pursued his degrees at University of Minnesota. A new chapter began when the City of Westerville needed a full time Director of Parks and Recreation in 1966. Donna and Dick were always up for an adventure packing their family up in their station wagon and made Westerville their lifelong home. Donna pursued her teaching degree from The Ohio State University and later earned her Masters Degree from Ashland University. She taught 3rd grade at Whittier Elementary in Westerville in the same classroom for 19 years. Donna so loved children as evidence of her own loving family and years of dedication in the field of education. Donna and Dick had a wonderful retirement life after their years of public service in the Westerville Community. They traveled the world often times with the Minnesota Navigators, and spent many winters in Destin, FL with childhood friends until Donna's dementia started to progress. Dick made sure his bride of 66 blessed years was provided the best care possible throughout every stage of her journey. The Rano family is forever grateful to all the loving attentive care givers that loved and supported their mom. Donna was a bright light to all who knew her and will be remembered for her kindness, compassion and Catholic faith that taught us to love unconditionally, help those in need and value family and friends to the fullest. She was the most loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Her everlasting spirit will eternally touch the lives of all who knew her. Please join us as we remember our beautiful mother this Friday, July 22, 2022 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Moreland Funeral Home, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville 43081 and St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 313 N. State Street, Westerville 43082 on Saturday 9 to 9:50 a.m. in the parlor prior to her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in the church officiated by Father Charles F. Klinger. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Neighborhood Bridges Westerville (www.neighborhoodbridges.org) or WARM (www.warmwesterville.org).