Donna Barbara Sparks

Our beloved mother, Donna Sparks, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025 at the age of 81. She was a remarkable woman with a warm heart and a generous spirit, always ready to offer support, wisdom, and unconditional love to those around her. Donna’s greatest joy in life was her family — she loved her sons more than anything in the world and took pride in every moment she spent with them.

A devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and educator, Donna touched countless lives through her kindness and strength. She was a dedicated teacher at BOCES for over 30 years, remembered for her patience, passion, and unwavering commitment to her students. She went above and beyond for others — in the classroom, at home, and in her community.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, Hannah and Monty Skolnick, her sister Sheila Skolnick and brother Barry Skolnick. She is survived by her loving son Andrew Sparks and his wife Heather, her loving son Franklin Sparks, and his wife Merchant. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Deborah Cook and her husband Jacob Cook, Christopher and his wife Grace, Benjamin, Daniel, Nathan, Jonathan, Hannah, Michael, Gabriel, Ava and Abigail. She is also survived by her sister Lana and her husband Guy Brackett and her brother Stanley and his wife Sonya Skolnick. Her legacy also lives on through the many friends and extended family members who felt her warmth and compassion.

Services will be held on June 5th at 2pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52 Woodbourne, NY 12788. Burial will follow services at Ashe Tzaydik Cemetery, 7295 Route 209, Wawarsing NY 12489. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join in celebrating a life so beautifully lived.