Obituary of Donna C. Illuzzi

Donna Cleo Doty (Tilly) Illuzzi, 87, of Sugar Hollow Rd, Tunkhannock died February 11^th at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore, PA.  Born September 23, 1931 in Memphis TN she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Nancy Anderson Doty. 

She was a 1950 graduate of Abington Heights High School, and received an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Keystone College in 1952.  Prior to retirement she was a floral designer at House of Flowers in Forest City, Remicks in Scranton and McClintocks in Clark Summit with Joe and Jean Gardier with whom she shared a treasured friendship.  She also worked at Carmen Bolin Floristry in Kingston and Monzie’s in Tunkhannock where she had to keep the girls in line!  She arranged flowers for friend’s weddings, special occasions and holidays all of her life.  In addition she also worked at Marworth Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Waverly, PA where she was a supervisor, decorator and counseled when needed. 

Donna enjoyed swim ballet, golf and country dancing.  She went to the bottom of the Grand Canyon twice at age 65 and at 75 on a mule.  She went hiking with her little dog Sugar and kayaking up until her 85^th birthday.  She also enjoyed taking rides with her husband and enjoying nature.

Her hobbies included baking, oil painting, gardening, arranging flowers and decorating year round.  Her home looked like something from House and Gardens.  Most of all, she loved making people laugh and playing practical jokes (especially when people were away on vacation). 

She was honored to have 37 years of sobriety, and for being a great Wife, Gram, Aunt, Sister and friend to all she came in contact with.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers Jim and William Doty and a sister Barb Doty. 

Donna is survived by her husband Frank Illuzzi, who loved her dearly and never left her side.  They knew each other since their junior year in high school.  She is also survived by her son Frank and wife Toni Illuzzi of Johnstown, daughter Nancy and husband Charlie (Varmint) VerBryck: granddaughters Jessica, Kelsey and Frankie Illuzzi; great-grandchildren Sofia and Marshall; a sister Janet Decker, Savannah GA as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to Dr. Mattai, to Deb Russo and the entire Geisinger staff and to Donna Labar.   Also to all friends and family who supported, laughed and loved with her.  We are forever grateful. 

Donna was a lover of life.  She was ageless and timeless and when she entered a room laughter was soon to follow.  If you had just met her, she made you feel like she was your friend forever.  She never wanted the conversation to be about her.  Friends and family would describe her as one of a kind, more than special, she could make you laugh like no other could.  Life to her was an adventure and she had such a zest for life; just go, just do it.  She was a wonderful hostess and was instrumental in so many peoples happiness.  Her cloth of counsel conveyed a message that will live on in the hearts of so many forever.  Her legacy will live on in laughter and love through all she came in contact with.  Some of her last reflections included “I’m so lucky I had a great life, never had any pain and having fun, that’s living”.  It’s true, it’s not what you take, but what you send.  Be sure to reflect on Tilly, on the first of May Hooray Hooray, and don’t drink the water!

A memorial service will be held at 5 pm on February 17’th at Stone Hedge in Tunkhannock with Pastor Lorie Robinson presiding.  The family will receive friends from 2 pm until the time of the service.