Frances Donato

On the wings of Angels, Frances was carried to heaven on Sunday, April12, 2026. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. 

Frances was born August 10th, 1961, In Queens, New York to Vincent Francis and Florence Esther (Gallela) Donato. She was the ninth child of eleven children. Born into a large Italian family, she enjoyed the pure wonderment of a childhood filled with love, family and faith. Her parents and the six younger siblings moved to Pembroke Pines, Florida when Fran was 10 years old. She quickly embraced her new home, with its warm tropical weather and new community. From Sunday dinners, Holiday celebrations, Lake Days, Birthday parties, or a BBQs on the back porch, family and friends were was always at the heart of life.

Frances graduated from Cooper City High School in 1979. She continued her higher education beginning at Miami-Dage Community College, where she received a Basketball Scholarship. She went on to Florida International College (FIU) earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 1984. In her senior year of college, she served as the President of the Student Criminal Justice Society at FIU. She worked many jobs, from day care to UPS, to pay for her college education.

After college, she was employed in various positions within the Criminal Justice field from Probation to a prestigious Miami Law Firm. She landed a job at Allstate Insurance Company, as a Licensed Insurance Adjuster. For over 28 years, Fran earned many awards, accolades and respect for a job well done. Many wonderful friendships were made during her time at Allstate, many lasting to this day.

Frances is preceded in death by her loving parents, Vincent Francis (1926-2021) and Florence Esther (1928-2020) Donato, her brother, Anthony Donato (1956-1958) and her brother-in-law Charles (Chuck) Schultz. She is survived by the love of her life, Janice Ann Hunt, her love, partner and spouse for almost 42 years. Theirs is a beautiful love story. Her family meant the world to her, especially her sisters and brothers, who she is survived by; Antoinette Passarello (Joseph), Patricia Schulze, Joseph Donato (Julie), Vincent Donato (Dorothy), Margaret Kuhnen (Kragen), John Donato (Debi), Florence Donato, Thomas Donato (Andrea) and Robert Donato.  One of the most treasured joys were her ten nieces and newphews. She adored each one. There will be a great void in their lives without Aunt Frannie. Fran was a Great Aunt to six great nieces and newphews. Those precious little faces brought much happiness and merriment to Fran’s life. Across the miles, FaceTime was always fun!  Fran has close bonds with many cousins and their families. As cousin recently remarked, “Fran was eveyone’s favorite relative”. 

Fran formed many lasting friendships throughout her lifetime. Cherished childhood friendships from her early days growing up in Woodside neighborhood and her grammar school days at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Those friendships grew even stronger and deeper thru the years. She began a key part of their growing families. From high school to beyond college, these friends remained true and everlasting. She had an organic way for making each friend feel special. She was a good neighbor to all. 

Fran lived her life in deep faith. In her recent years, she found a warm and welcoming home at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church near Pittsburgh. PA. Her time spent as a member of St. Brendan’s provided her a safe haven. She was free to explore and deepen her faith. This gift offered her great comfort in both good and difficult times. She was grateful for the kind and genuine people of St. Brendan’s. 

Fran had a natural vibrant and optimistic way of living life. She choice to see the good in people. An Earth Angel spreading good vibes only into the world daily. She had a spark that glowed whenever or wherever she went. She had an incredible sense of humor, a contagious laugh and a beautiful smile. 

Whether fishing from her dock, painting colorful rocks, listening to all types of music from Rock to reggae, dancing with her beloved Janice, Fran filled a space with positive energy, kindness and a genuine heart. Many felt lucky to just be in her orbit.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 20th, 2026, at TM Ralph’s Funeral Home, 371 NW 136 Avenue, Sunrise, Florida 33325, beginning at 5:00PM, followed by a pray service at 6:00PM.

A Memorial Sercive will be held at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church near Pittsburgh, PA., in May.

In Lieu of flowers or plants, Fran’s wish was for all memorial donations be given to St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Road, Sewickley, Pennsylvania 15143. 

Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul. It is well with my soul. - Lyrics from a song by Horatio G. Spafford, 1873