Obituary of Donna M. Shattell

Donna M. Shattell, 64, Syracuse, NY was daughter of Robert and Amy Shattell, also of Syracuse. Donna had a Master’s degree in health education and spent much of her time telling people the value of cinnamon and garlic in their diet.  She became a skilled Dental Hygienist while in college and somehow convinced the family to let her practice on them first.  After many years of working in the secular world, Donna felt a calling to become a Sister and worked tirelessly the remaining 23 years of her career as a Sister Minor of Mary Immaculate in Fargo ND, New Haven CT and Three Rivers MA.  Although she never married or had children, she nurtured thousands of children in her Religious Ed classes, communion and confirmation sacraments.  She was a skilled writer and loved to write newsletters for the church.  She retired from the convent in 2014 and began to visit those who had supported her ministry work.  In 2015, she moved to Dryden NY to be closer to her parents and to quote Donna, “God sent me here because the people at Holy Cross Church are the kindest and most loving I have ever met.” She discovered the joy of baking and loved biscotti and apple crisp! She loved to entertain, pray and shop!  Donna’s laugh was contagious and her stories about Daisy dog were repeated often.  Most of all, Donna lived every single minute of her life for Jesus.  She would not make one decision or one step forward without consulting Him first.  She was an example to everyone to step back and wait asking God first before making a decision. 

Donna is predeceased by her father, Robert Shattell Sr., She is survived by her mother, Amy Shattell, Syracuse; siblings, Fred (RoseAnne) Shattell, Liverpool, Robert Shattell, Jr (Patricia), Liverpool, Suzanne Searle (Cortland), Lisa (John) Tabor, Syracuse, Gina Shattell . Fairport, Jeffrey (Kim) Shattell, Syracuse; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Services will be held at Holy Cross Church in Dryden, NY on November 10, at 10:00 a.m.  Burial following in St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Groton, NY.  There will also be a memorial service at Our Lady of Hope Church in Syracuse, NY on Saturday, November 17^th at 10:00 a.m.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Catholic Indian Mission, 1 Mission Avenue, Fort Yates, ND, 58538, or Foodnet Meals on Wheels, 2422 Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. 

Special thanks to Kathy Stockhauser who through the years as Donna’s best friend never left her side.  Beyond thankful to the people in Dryden that dropped everything to help Donna with rides, meals, laundry and dishes! Thank you Father John Paul and Peter, her spiritual advisors and dear friends.  Also to Dr. Christopher King, Abby (PT) and Kari (ST) who gave her so much hope.  Especially to Dr. Cherylyn White who loved Donna as her own sister. 

Please visit the online memorial at www.ballweg-lunsford.com