Donna Maria Ruskowski
May 20, 2012
Donna Maria Ruskowski, 55, of Danvers, died unexpectedly on Sunday morning, May 20, 2012 while traveling in Maryland. She was the wife of William Ruskowski, with whom she celebrated thirty years of marriage on May 15th. Born in Boston on Oct. 27, 1956, she was raised and educated in Marlborough and was a graduate of Marlborough High School. Donna went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in counseling psychology from Assumption College. A passionate and gifted therapist for thirty-two years, she operated her well regarded counseling practice, D. Ruskowski and Associates, in Swampscott. A devoted and loving wife, mother, and friend who had a wonderful sense of humor, the greatest joy in Donna’s life was her family. She enjoyed long drives and traveling, especially to Lake George, NY and Burlington, VT. She loved sewing, baking, trips to the beach, and spending time with her dog, Onyx. She was especially proud of her daughters earning their master’s degrees. In addition to her loving husband, she leaves two beloved daughters, Emily Ruskowski of Arlington, VA and Audrey Ruskowski of Medford. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 9AM in Saint Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Friday from 5-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square.
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Audrey and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Cathie & Ralph Swift
Bill & Family I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I was so sad when I got the news. I know how much you love your wife. Please know that my prayers are with you. Gina
So sorry to hear about your loss Bill. You have my deepest condolences. ….Ray Miller
Bill, Emily and Audrey- Please know we are thinking of you during this very difficult time. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Your wife and mother will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss Donna has impacted my life in so many positive ways. I will never forget her and I will truely miss are chats. Love Crystal Smith & Mason
Bill, Audrey and Emily, I was so sorry to hear about Donna. Ah those High School days, we shared many a laugh. She was a wonderful friend. Time and distance got in the way I guess, but I remember how proud she was when she talked about you all. I bet she is sharing her stories up in heaven with her Grandmother “Lady”. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bill, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know what a special relationship you had with Donna, and the 30 wonderful years that you spent together. Thinking about you and your daughters. Jan
Dear Bill, Audry and Emily, I am devastated to hear that Donna has passed away. She was a remarkable, caring, smart and extremely insightful human being that gave so much to me and my family in particular my young daughter. I feel so badly for all of you as I know she loved her family so much. She spoke of each of you in our meetings and was so proud of you girls, she beamed each time she would bring you up. I always thought how lucky her family was to have her as a mom and wife as I would hate when my hour was up. I am truly grateful to have known Donna during this past year she has made such difference in my life I will miss her dearly. I am so sorry for your pain and tremendous loss. There will never be anyone else like her. My deepest sympathies. I love you Donna,Thank you for everything.
Bill, my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family on your loss.
It was with great sadness that I read about Donna’s passing. Donna helped our family, in particular, our daughter Kristen through some very difficult years. She even once appeared at my doorstep during a serious event in our lives to lend support and a caring, helping hand. Her sense of humor and laugh was infectious and she could always lighten up a serious discussion with a funny story. I will miss her greatly. She was such a wonderful person, therapist, friend.
Bill, Audrey, and Emily, Meryl called to tell me of Donna’s passing. We are all so saddened and want you to know that our memories are very fond ones. Donna and I sat next to each other at a day long conference a year or so ago, laughing and recollecting times when all the girls were little. There is no doubt that the world was better because of her presence and influence. She will be missed by many. We send our support and most sincere condolences. Marcia, Bob, Meryl, and Daria
Donna was so very special to me. She helped me through some pretty tough times. The news of her sudden passing has saddened me so deeply. She will be greatly missed. I send my heartfelt condolences to Donna’s loving family. Donna, may you rest in the arms of the Angels. Your friend ? Linda
Dear Bill, Emily and Audrey, I’m sorry that I did not get to meet you while working with Donna at her practice in Swampscott. I can tell you that she loved you all and spoke of you every day. Donna really loved to bring fresh flowers to her office and was so appreciative of the “little kindnesses in life”. She was funny, kind and always compassionate about her patients and those who worked with her. I wanted to attend the wake and funeral but since I lost my 23 year old son a couple of years ago, I have not been successful at entering services for others. But, please know that I have prayed each day for all of you and am saying a rosary for Donna’s sweet spirit to rise up on angel’s wings to her real home. I will always remember her as a person who kissed the joy as it flew by! Let me know if I can help with ANYTHING. Love, Kerry Washburn
Dear Bill, Emily and Audrey, I am so sorry to hear that Donna has left us in this physical realm. but somehow I am very sure that she is in a good place, actually a very beautiful place in the spirit world, sending you all much love and light… A message for Donna: We all love you soooo much, Donna!!! I remember your smile, hear you laugh, and miss you very much, my adventurous, loving friend…
Words can not begin to express my deepest sympathy and sadness over your loss. I am still in disbelief. Having recent loss my father, I understand the grief, sorrow, and pain associated with such an unexpected loss. My thoughts, and prayers go out to the family.
To Donna’s family, My sincere condolences upon your loss. I worked with Donna for years at Catholic Charities and will always remember her as a warm, insightful, compassionate woman. I was only blessed to have known her. Wishing you peace in your time of grief, Christine Monterio
My sincere condolences on your loss. I worked with Donna at Catholic Charities for a long time. She was professional, caring and lots of fun. She talked about her family all the time. You are all in my prayers.