ELY, DONNA D.

Donna D. Ely, 70, of Branford, passed away on January 8 at CT Hospice after a long and brave battle with breast cancer. Born March 10, 1948 she was predeceased by her beloved husband Charles B. Ely. She was the daughter of Dr. A. Peter and Fae Delfini and sister to Dr. Ronald Delfini (Marcia) and Kenneth Delfini (Joan).

Donna was a lifelong member of the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club where she was an avid tennis player and golfer. Her competitive spirit allowed her to win multiple trophies and championships in both sports. Donna loved to garden, take long walks and relax in her favorite lounge chair by the pool. Donna was also known to volunteer for a number of worthy organizations, selflessly giving her time to help those less fortunate.

Donna is also survived by her niece Kendall Jasinski (Paul), nephews Matthew Delfini, Ronald P. Delfini (Amy), J. Brooke Delfini (Lisa), great-nieces and nephews Kyle Delfini, Mitchell Delfini, Cassandra Delfini, Ryan Delfini and Alexandra Delfini and cousin Dr. Michael Gilio.

The family would like to thank everybody for their support and caring for her wellbeing. We would also like to thank the nursing staff at the Smilow Cancer Center in Guilford for their unwavering kindness, compassion and care for which she was forever grateful. Services are private. Donations in Donna’s memory may be made to: The Compassion Club, 2037 Foxon Rd., North Branford, CT 06471; CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405; Branford Food Pantry, 30 Harrison Ave., Branford, CT 06405; Branford Community Foundation (Delfini Trust), P.O. Box 462, Branford, CT 06405.