Carol A. (Chiarenza) Donato, 67, of Lewiston, NY died Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Mt. Saint Mary's Hospital surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with the non-smoking form of lung cancer. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Angela (Sicurella) Chiarenza. She married F. David Donato on June 22, 1968 in Saint Joseph's church in Niagara Falls, NY.

Carol attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1964. She also graduated from Roberts Beauty School with a license in cosmetology in 1965. She went on to work for The Carborundum Co. as a key punch card operator while her husband was stationed in Korea. After having her family, she began her Restaurant Career with her husband at The Hitching Post on Hyde Park Blvd. and The Hitching Post Too in the Rainbow Centre. From 1984-89, Carol and her family moved to Tampa, Florida to expand their businesses. Carol was also employed by Carrollwood Nursing Home as an Activity Director, following the sale of their restaurant business in Tampa. She enjoyed working with, and had compassion for the elderly and their families. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Johns Parish in Tampa and belonged to the Women's Prayer Group.

Upon returning from Tampa, she worked side by side with her husband and family in their restaurant operations for many tireless years, including The Rainbow Racing Room (OTB) and the Amherst Turfside Sportsplex (OTB). Carol most enjoyed being with her devoted husband, and surrounding herself with their three daughters, and four beautiful grandchildren. She loved cooking for them all and she always served as an untiring and outgoing hostess when they would gather.

Upon retiring from the restaurant business in January 2003, Carol began her favorite job babysitting her grandchildren. She and her husband purchased a summer cottage in Crystal Beach, Ontario CA where they first met and became high school sweethearts. They fondly referred to it as "Almost Heaven", because countless precious memories were created with family and friends.

Carol touched and made an everlasting impression on the people, doctors, and nurses that met her. She will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved her. Her faith, courage, and strength is the bond that made her already close knit family, unbreakable.

In addition to her husband of 45 years, Carol is survived by her three daughters, Michele L. Donato of Lewiston, NY, Jeanine (Marc) Catanzaro of Niagara Falls NY, Dana (Michael) Evans of Niagara Falls, NY; four beautiful grandchildren, Gianna Michele Catanzaro, Matthew David Catanzaro, David Michael-Reese Evans and Caroline Alivia Evans (her name-sake); mother in-law Margaret (late Cosmo Donato); two sisters, Grace (Joseph) Petrozzi and Mae (late Anthony) Minicucci, all of Niagara Falls NY; one sister-in law Maryann (John) Broda of Youngstown, NY and many nieces , nephews and cousins. Carol was predeceased by three brothers, Charles (Mae) Chiarenza, Lawrence (Jenny) Chiarenza, Vincent (Marie) Chiarenza, and one sister Florence (late Anthony) Cheff.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Roswell Park Institute, especially Dr. Chen, Lori Pearce, and the entire staff. Also, a special thanks to the nurses at Mount St. Mary's Hospital for their compassion and care.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 17th from 3 – 8 P.M. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY where funeral services will begin on Wednesday, December 18th at 11:15 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorial donations may be made to Roswell Park Lung Cancer Research, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240