Donna Jean Tisdale, (nee Florio), 72 of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2009 surrounded by her loving family and friends in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. She was born May 10, 1937 in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of the late Joseph and Jean "Queenie" (Strachan) Florio and was a lifelong resident of the City of Niagara Falls.
Donna was most recently employed by Bank of America as a mortgage loan officer, and had worked for many area banks in her long history in the industry, including Goldome, M&T, Key Bank, and Countrywide Home Loans. Donna got her start in the real estate business working with Rondina Ferrusi at Ferrusi Realty, and quickly realized her true passion in life – finding someone their new home! After almost 25 years at Ferrusi Realty, she became a mortgage loan officer with Goldome. Many, many area residents remember Donna as being the "go-to" person to get a mortgage – she would always find a way to make it happen so the customer would be able to buy the house of their dreams.
Besides her work, from which she derived an enormous amount of pleasure, Donna also enjoyed visiting the Casino where her favorite game was blackjack. She was an extremely talented card player and spent many an evening playing euchre at the Ontario House where she would win on a regular basis. She also enjoyed playing softball and volleyball in her cousin, Bob Strachan's leagues for many years. She was active in the Niagara Falls Little Theater, the Petti Coaters, and the Niagara Board of Realtors, and organized the Women's Auxiliary of Niagara Falls Little League. She was a very active member of the Niagara County Builders' Association and particularly enjoyed working with the builders on all of their building projects. She originated the Adopt-a-Family program at Goldome, helping needy families with baskets of food and gifts at holiday time and spreading Christmas cheer. Most of all, Donna loved spending time with her family, and nothing made her happier than Christmas when there were so many gifts there wasn't enough room on the floor to walk.
Donna is survived by her husband, Gary W. Tisdale; two daughters, Laurina (Michael Mariani) Tisdale and Phyllis Tisdale both of Niagara Falls, NY, and one son, Gary (Melanie) Tisdale of Lewiston, NY; a sister, Diane (Phil) Biamonte of Niagara Falls, NY and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother, Dennis Florio.
The family knows that Donna's kind heart and gentle spirit will live on forever. Her happiness came from helping others and she always lived life as if her glass was half full, no matter what obstacles came her way.
Family and friends may call on Friday from 4-8:30 p.m. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will begin on Saturday October 31st at 11:00 a.m. and at 12 Noon in the First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls, 311 Rainbow Blvd. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. David Crapnell officiating. Entombment will be held in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. If desired, memorial offerings can be made to Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation PO Box 96280 Washington, D.C. 20077