Donna M. McGuire

Donna M. McGuire Gates: Friday, January 9, 2026 at age 91. Predeceased by husband, James. Survived by children, Dan (Kris), Mike (Tam), Jim (Melanie), Bill (Janelle), Mary and Ted (Roz); grandchildren, Claire, Michelle (Gavin), Natalie, Tom, Sean (Ashton), Emily, Kate (Shapri), Paul, Jeff (Jordan), Malcolm (Lexi), Lydia and Peter (Hannah); 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Fr. William Spong and Eileen Spong; and several nieces, nephews and dear friends. Donna lived a life rooted in love, creativity, and devotion to her family. Above all else, her greatest joy was being a mother and a grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and she poured her heart into every moment she spent nurturing, teaching, and loving those closest to her. Donna had a special gift for creativity. Whether she was tending her garden, piecing together a beautiful quilt, or preparing a meal from scratch, she found joy in making things with her hands and sharing them with others. Her cooking and baking were expressions of love—warm, comforting, and always meant to bring people together around the table. A longtime member of Open Door Baptist Church, Donna’s faith guided her life and the way she served others. She attended RIT in the home economics program, where she deepened the skills that became lifelong passions and a way she blessed her family for decades. Donna especially delighted in passing on her love of creativity to her grandchildren—teaching them, encouraging them, and inspiring them to make, explore, and imagine. Some of her happiest moments were spent outdoors, enjoying nature’s beauty or taking long drives through the countryside, soaking in the quiet and peace she found there. Those who knew Donna will remember how she would often say, “Can you imagine what it will be like to see the face of Jesus?” That simple question reflected the depth of her faith, her sense of wonder, and the hope that lived in her heart. Donna will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her generous heart, and the love she stitched into the lives of her family—just as surely as the quilts she made with such care. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the creativity she nurtured, and the deep love she gave so freely. Family and friends may call at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home Tuesday, January 13th from 10-11am. Funeral Service to follow calling at 11am at the funeral home. Entombment, Riverside Cemetery. In lieu flowers, memorials may be made to Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service1600 , Buffalo Rd. Rochester NY 14624.