Obituary of Arlyne Della Donna

Arlyne Della Donna, age 78, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Bridgeport Hospital after a short illness. Arlyne was born on March 22, 1936 in Bridgeport and lived there in her early years with her parents, Clara and Samuel Della Donna, both of whom, as well as her brother Anthony predeceased her. She graduated from Sheridan Grammar School and Central High School. Arlyne then went on to graduate from the UCONN School of Nursing. She loved her chosen profession and continued her nursing education until she received a PHD in Psychiatric Nursing. Arlyne then became a Professor of Nursing at UCONN and an active faculty member in UCONN affairs. She was a huge fan of UCONN basketball, both men and women, but especially the women. In her youth, Arlyne was an excellent swimmer and she participated as a synchronized swimmer in many aquatic events under the tutelage of Olympian, Anna Baum Skane. For the rest of her life, Arlyne loved to travel to places near the sea, where she could continue her love of swimming. Arlyne was a very generous person. She established a nursing scholarship at UCONN for young women who needed help in pursuing their nursing studies. She was always generous to her many nieces and nephews, as well as their many children, all of whom she remained very close. Arlyne lived in the Newington area for many years and she had a legion of friends there with whom she shared a warm and caring relationship. Arlyne is survived by her sister, Mildred Bisacca and her husband George, her nieces and nephews, Beth Schrager, Mary DeVito, George Bisacca, Jr., Barbara Lehn, Joan Casanova and Joseph Bisacca,; as well as her nieces on her brother's side, Susan, Teresa and Kathryn Della Donna, Elizabeth Lehey and Annie Accoulame, together with her many, many grandnieces and grandnephews all of whom she loved dearly. Arlyne will remain in our hearts always and we will miss her. Friends are invited to meet directly in St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main St.,Trumbull on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery, Stratford. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 38 Richards Avenue, Norwalk CT 06854. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.