An Affectionate Remembrance of Donna “Danusia” Longo
October 31, 1953 – March 1, 2024
Donna Longo figured out the secret to living a life worth living, and then left us at the young age of 70. She had an unparalleled passion for life, commitment to the people around her, and an energy that was felt by anyone in her presence. While holding her husband’s hand, Donna Longo peacefully passed away at age 70 on March 1, 2024.
Cherished wife of Ron Longo for 49 years; committed mother of Annette Longo (Richard) and Tara Longo (Mario); cherished Babcia of Celeste, Alexis, Nicholas, Ava, and Marcus; loving sister of Kazik Ptak (Cathie) and Barb Coleman (Dave); sister-in-law of Lou Longo (Michele); supportive aunt to Stefanie, Christopher, Michael, Bradley, Robert, Christina, Justine; daughter-in-law (but more like a daughter) to Antonietta Longo; and predeceased by her parents Janina and Wladyslaw Ptak, her brother Kazik, and her father-in-law Santino. Donna leaves a legacy of accomplishment and a life filled with love.
Donna was 12-years-old when she moved to Sarnia from Świdnica, Poland to be reunited with the other Ptak families that had already moved to Canada. As a child, her home was filled with homemade food, polish vodka, and lots of dancing. She was a bright child in Poland, but just like all immigrants, the new language provided an obstacle. Yet with her work ethic, supportive cousins, and some new friends, she overcame the language barrier and excelled.
At 17, she met the love of her life, “Italian boy” Ron Longo. Recognizing that he was her soulmate, she gave up her dreams of going to university to stay in Sarnia and be with him. Forgoing university was the only regret of her life, but the life that she started with her Ronnie was beautiful and full to the brim of wonderful experiences, love and joy. Together at every step they built a life of love and success.
Donna worked hard in numerous jobs, everything from a cashier at Miracle Food Mart to doing taxes at H&R Block, but her frugality and deep understanding of numbers led her to being the bookkeeper of the family business. Working alongside her husband and brother-in-law developing commercial properties in Sarnia for the last 50 years, she demonstrated the fulfillment of any immigrants’ dreams. She learned at every step and nothing slipped by her; any Fortune 500 company would consider themselves lucky to have Donna as their CFO. Her greatest sense of accomplishment and pride was when they purchased the downtown Eaton Centre in Sarnia.
Donna was dedicated to her daughters, ensuring they had every opportunity she didn’t have, and more. Between work and bringing them to skating, soccer, and piano lessons – she was constantly on the go. She was adamant that her girls go to university and get the best education possible. But more than that, she was deeply involved in their lives. From babysitting to working at The Healthy Butcher on the holidays, her generous spirit shined. Donna’s daily calls were not just surface level conversations, something to be learned by all of us. She asked questions, listened, and was genuinely concerned and interested. This was more evident than ever with her grandchildren.
Donna Facetimed her grandchildren daily and was not just a Babcia (Grandmother) to them, but a best friend. She listened to them, and did whatever was needed to be deeply involved in their lives. From reading the same books they were reading so they could discuss the characters and plots, to doing TikTok dances, to being up-to-date with makeup looks, her relationships with children 50+ years younger was astounding. They all anticipated the time they would spend with their Babcia, be it on the phone or in-person. Her love of tea spread to them with daily teas and desserts, and her love of massages led to them all giving each other daily foot massages or “reflexology”.
The consummate host, Donna was known for her masterful cooking skills and dishes like Berries on a Cloud, Lemon Meringue Pie, and her own, unique Pickle Soup. Most recently, the wood oven in the backyard was the epitome of delicious pizza and homemade breads. She was always making new dishes; her recipe collection overflowed and her home was always open to her family, friends, and neighbors, no invitation needed.
Donna had an insatiable appetite for learning. She was a voracious reader of fiction and non-fiction alike and could converse with scholars of any field. As soon as they could afford, she spearheaded trips to Egypt, Morocco, China, all over Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. Her adventurous spirit shined on her travels; she never passed up an opportunity to try new things like snorkeling, bizarre local foods, dance lessons, or riding elephants – Donna tried it all without hesitation. And she stayed fit till the end, exercising daily. She had a great daily walking partner which was her way to connect with a friend, get outdoors and stay fit. She could outwalk people a fraction of her age and in her final days, the doctors could not believe she was 70. Most recently, Donna rekindled her connection with her Polish community, and embraced these friendships.
Donna’s battle with cancer was yet another example of her tenacity for life. In 2000, with her husband’s support, she bravely overcame breast cancer for the first time. In 2017, they again faced breast cancer, and won after a double-mastectomy and radiation. Twenty-four years after her first battle, she faced an aggressive and rare cancer in her bile duct and liver called cholangiocarcinoma. Again, with her husband by her side, she was ready to battle again and opted to go for a complicated eight hour surgery that involved resecting 70% of her liver along with replacing her bile duct and more. Unfortunately, her remaining liver was never able to catch up, and she succumbed to liver failure after two weeks in the hospital. It was a fight nobody could win.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will take place on March 14th, with an Open House from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Smith Family Centre (in front of Smith Funeral Home), 1576 London Line, Sarnia. At 4:00 p.m., in lieu of a service, there will be an opportunity for words from her family and friends, so please bring a story of Donna. If you have words that you want read by someone else, please email any of the family members and they will ensure they are shared. Donna Longo, you made every second count, and we are forever in gratitude for the example you set of a life worth living.
In her honour, donations will be accepted at either
FORCE at: https://www.facingourrisk.org/
or
St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia at: https://www.stjosephshospice.ca/
Memories and condolences may be sent online at smithfuneralhome.ca
