Donna L. Cahill
January 26, 1943 ~ October 29, 2016
DANVERS—Donna L. (Spakas) Cahill, 73, died unexpectedly on Saturday morning at Beverly Hospital. She was the wife of the late Charles R. Cahill.
Born in Danvers on Jan. 26, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Ferguson) Spakas. She was raised and educated in Danvers where she was the first Queen of the Meadow. After graduating from Holten High School in 1960, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Salem State College and a master’s degree from Boston University.
A dedicated educator, Donna taught elementary school in the Danvers Public Schools, mostly at the Thorpe School. She also taught for two years in Middleton.
A lifelong Danvers resident, Donna was a Danvers Town Meeting member and an election day worker. She enjoyed time volunteering with the Danvers Historical Society and the Alarm List Company at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead. She was an ethnic Member of the Polish, Russian, Lithuanian, American Citizens Club in Danvers.
She leaves two daughters, Jenny Churchill and her husband Adam of Danvers and Suzanne Cahill and her husband Matt Churchill of Wenham, a daughter-in-law, Amy Cahill of Wyoming, five grandchildren, Riley Turner, and Bryn, Brigid, Una, and Finn Churchill, two sisters, Elizabeth Stashis of Topsfield and Jean Ellsworth and her husband Peter of Danvers, a brother, John Spakas of San Francisco, CA, her loving companion, Peter Duncan of Danvers, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Michael Cahill.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 9AM in Saint Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Burial will be in Saint Mary Cemetery, Sylvan St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Thursday from 4-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Danvers Educational Enrichment Partnership (DEEP), PO Box 387, Danvers, MA 01923.
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Love and miss my Auntie Donna. So many great childhood memories. Family get togethers, Holidays, Sleepovers as a kid and lots of laughs as an adult. One of the sweetest and kindest people I have ever known. Will miss you and Love you.
Donna it wonderful to share our grandchildren together. I will miss you at field hockey, soft ball, singing and ice hockey games. I remember us looking at each and saying,”we had the best kids.” We both knew how lucky we were. I’ll do my best to watch over all of them. Blessing and Love, Paula
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Cahill’s passing. She was one of my most favorite teachers at Thorpe school. She was so nurturing and caring and made going to school each day a joy. She always made an effort to make learning fun…whether we were taking spelling tests in pudding or shaving cream on our desks, or dressing up in costume to learn about the story of thanksgiving. Thorpe School was lucky to have her as an educator for so many years.
My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Meredith Bruenjes (Member of Donna’s 3rd grade class of ’94)
We knew Mrs. Cahill from Thorpe School, but we were also neighbors. I especially remember on Halloween night bringing our children to her house to get candy. With a big smile, she always stepped onto the porch to say hello to see how the kids were doing. Our prayers and condolences to the family.
My deepest condolences to your family at this sad time. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time. Some great memories of the trips to Danvers from CT growing up. We would always drop by Curran Brothers Florist to see Grammy and then our second stop was “Aunt Donna’s” on School St. The times at West Beach, trips to New York City and as we grew older sharing in the family gatherings. You were my mother’s best friend growing up and that friendship will last forever. Rest in peace.
The Moriarty Family (Tim, Elizabeth and Ryan); Austin Texas
Dear Jenny & Family
Today and always may loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength. Sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship
This is a difficult read. I was unaware of her plight. We graduated High School backin 1960. She was always kind to me, full of life and a super nice person. Our deepest condolences to all of her family and those close to her. May the Lord bless and keep thee and thine. Julie Tinkham
A mentor to many……a friend to all…….Mrs. Cahill…….Donna, you will be missed more than you will ever know!
Your infectious smile and overall kindness to all who knew you. Your wholehearted interest in your former students, and the joy on your face when you saw them all grown up!
I am going to miss seeing you,talking and joking with you.
Rest in Peace and in God’s Loving Arms……
Betsy, Alex, Jon, and Jacki Lapointe
Donna has been an Angel on Earth to so many. I know her Love will continue to bless her beautiful family, friends and loved ones. Thank you Donna for your Light. Eternal Blessings to you dear friend. Rest in peace…
Carole Wolf
Donna …My lifelong friend. So many years – so many memories…I will never forget that smiling face – or the way that you approached each day – with style and grace….Farewell, dear friend….Rest In Peace.
One of the best teachers I EVER had! You will be greatly missed Mrs. C. <3 Jacki Lapointe
Donna – my lifelong friend. So many years – So many memories….I will never forget that smiling face, or the way that you approached each day – with style and grace…Farewell, Dear Friend…….Barbie
May the love of friends and family provide comfort and peace to get you through these days. I hope the great memories of your mom and grandmom will bring you lasting strength and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
– The Tarricone Family (Lou, Jean, Annie, Nathan, and Zach)