Donna K. Millard

Donna Kathryn (Passoja) Millard of Fitchburg, MA passed away at the age of 81 on Monday June 2nd. Donna was a remarkable woman who leaves a legacy of love, books, politics and faith. Born in Fitchburg on February 8, 1944 to John Oscar Passoja and Gloria (Wilson) Passoja, Donna is survived by her three children, John Millard and Laurie-Ann Millard both of Leominster, MA and Marsha Millard of Dennis Port, MA, and her two sisters, Linda K. Fortin and Marsha A. Passoja. Donna also leaves behind three grandchildren, Phillip Houle, James Houle and Tamsin Millard as well as three great-granddaughters, Susie, Katlyn and Braelyn Houle. Donna is now reunited with her grandson Ezra Millard whom we lost earlier this year.

A hard-working single mother of three in the 1970s, Donna worked serving the community by helping to open the first alcohol detox center in the area in Leominster. She moved on to CETA to help others who required assistance in retraining or obtaining new employment. Within a few years an additional opportunity to work with another group of under-served came with the Task Force for Battered Women in Fitchburg. Much like the detox center in Leominster, the Task Force was something she had personal experience with as well as a passionate desire to help others overcome. Donna paused her education in the 1960s to raise a family and to the great pride of her children, received her B.A. in English at Fitchburg State College in 1985.

Her later years saw her move to Missouri and then Louisiana to help raise her three grandchildren. While in Missouri she studied theology at Nazarene Theological Seminary. Always one for more studies and working with others, this was a lifelong dream come true for her. She later returned to Fitchburg where she had been raised. Love for the fall foliage and the greenery of spring wrapping the landscapes enriched Donna’s life and made New England forever her home in her heart.

Her children wish to thank her for the years of love and insight, and teaching them to see people as they are and not just the shallow labels that are often used to define people. Donna will long be remembered for her love her family, books, politics, and faith in Jesus Christ. 

A celebration of life service for Donna will be held on Saturday, July 12th at 10:30 am at the Fitchburg Church of The Nazarene, 800 South St, Fitchburg, Massachusetts. A pot luck lunch will take place afterwards. All are welcome to attend and say goodbye and share memories of the wonderful friend, mother and grandmother that enriched our lives. 

In lieu of flowers please donate to the GoFundMe to help with the expenses. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. https://gofund.me/2d999c9d