Donna (Dennis) Goll of Stratford, CT passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones on July 30, 2023. Donna was born on December 25 in Mineola, NY on Long Island and is predeceased by her loving mother Jean Dennis. She is survived by her beloved husband John "Johnny" Goll; her son Jonathan Goll (Lisa); and her three cherished grandchildren Alexa, Mason and Greyson who brought pure joy and love to her life every day.

At the beginning of her high school years, Donna met the love of her life, Johnny, at a school dance where they quickly became inseparable. Her vibrant smile, stunning strawberry blonde hair, and tall stature captivated any room, but especially Johnny's heart. From prom dates to husband and wife, their love story was one for the history books.

Donna will be remembered fondly for her fun-spirited soul and someone who radiated light from the inside out. As quoted in her high school yearbook, "(She was) on the lookout for laughs… That red hair is a symbol of mischief… light on her feet, she flies with the beat." Anyone who knew her admired her wittiness, enormous heart, and tough love personality. Through their years together, you would find Donna and Johnny out every weekend attending record hops and making memories with friends. She truly embodied the saying, "and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance." She had a fun and magnetic nature that was adored by all. Her love for the bagpipes reminds us of how proud she was of her Scottish heritage.

After high school, Donna became a hair stylist before starting a 15-year career as a phlebotomist where she ultimately retired. She then devoted all her time to family and creating beautiful memories with them. She was the embodiment of a loving matriarch and ensured every holiday and birthday was extra special for her loved ones. Her keen eye for design was perfected through the years as she always made their house a home with her incredible gift for decorating. Donna was also a charitable animal lover who opened her home to countless rescue dogs over the years. She would never say no to a rescue, and they absolutely adored her. She prided herself on always making sure everyone felt loved, cared for, and welcomed by her. To have met Donna is to know her, and to know her was truly a gift.

Donna found tremendous fulfillment in being a grandmother, lovingly remembered by her grandchildren as "Mama" and "Dee Dee." Many of her most treasured memories were from watching her grandchildren grow up whether it was proudly watching Alexa's cheering, quality time playing board games with Mason, or admiring Greyson's new dance moves. Every moment she spent with the three of them made her smile and her heart full.

As her family, we will fondly remember Donna for all the love she shared with us and her selfless nature. While her physical presence may no longer be with us, she is with us in spirit watching over her friends and family forever and always. Always happy, always smiling, and always selflessly caring for others.

"Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories"

A memorial will be held this Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 1-3pm at Dennis & D'arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home on Main Street in Stratford. If you can, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider giving the gift of donation to any local animal shelter in memory of Donna and flowers are also equally welcomed. To offer condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com