Donna Lee Smilardo
May 14, 1947 ~ September 10, 2023
Donna Lee Smilardo, age 76, a resident of Philippi, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday September 10, 2023 in the Broaddus Hospital. Donna was born May 14, 1947 in Baltimore, MD a daughter of the late Jack and Margaret (Felleisen) Weiner.
Surviving is son, Carmen Smilardo and wife Diana of Laurel, MD; grandchildren, Rylee and Carmello Smilardo of Laurel, MD; and brother, Butchy Weiner of Hagerstown, MD
Donna retired from the US Navy Historical Department as a Budget Analyst. During her time with the US Navy she assisted with projects including the raising of the USS Hunley, and the refurbishing of the USS Constitution. Donna worked at the Animal friends of Barbour County. She had a great love for animals and would also stop to assist any animal in need. Donna loved her grandchildren; she also enjoyed her beach trips with her family. Donna was a social person and never met a stranger. She will be missed by all whom knew her.
Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Saturday September 16, from 6-8 pm and on Sunday September 17, from 11 am- 1 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 pm with Pastor Bryan Headley officiating. Interment will follow in the Tacy Crossroads Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made to Animal friends of Barbour County PO Box 452 Philippi, WV 26416.
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I am so sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother. I kinder person I have never known. The love she showed for people, all cats, kittens, and all animals can not be replicated. One of my last memories of Donna was at the shelter. Donna and Kim were treating a small kitten they knew was too far gone to save. They were leaving for the night and Donna said I’m taking it home with me. I don’t want it to die alone. Pure love. She worked tirelessly for the AFOBC shelter. In honor of Donna I encourage everyone to spay and neuter your pets, or even help out a stray by trapping and getting it spayed or neutered. Donna knew the suffering of litters of unwanted kittens. Donna was a wonderful loving person to all animals and people, and loved by many. May she rest in peace surrounded by bunches of healthy kitties.
Donna was so committed to giving love and care to so many souls….kittens…cats…family….friends..community. What a huge loss to this world. Enjoy heaven my dear friend.
So sorry for Donnas loss. I don’t think I never met the immediate family of her but her mother married my Uncle Wilson C “Jack” Lester. Again we are so sorry for the loss. You all are in our thoughts.
My deepest condolences to Donna’s family.
She was so dedicated to saving, helping, and finding home for the cats and kittens. She always did whatever she could to make a sick kitty get better, as well.
I adopted my Morgan kitty from her, and he is beautiful. If not for her, I don’t think he would still be here.
The world will never have another Donna “Cat Lady”. I pray someone will help her beloved kitties and find homes, and carry on her legacy of helping other cats and kittens as well as she did. They will have some big shoes to fill.
Tammy and Morgan
So many fond memories of Donna come to mind, she left an amazing mark on everyone who was blessed to know her. My family adopted 7 cats from her cat shelter. Life without Donna will ever be the same, no one will ever fill her shoes. May your special memories of her help you through this sorrowful time.
In memory of Donna Lee Smilardo, Susan McLaughlin lit a candle
Prayers to the family.🩷
I worked with her and loved everyday miss you girl
In memory of Donna Lee Smilardo, Sheila Alexander lit a candle
Donna was one of the most loving people we ever met. We would see her at Uniontown petsmart. Always willing to give us advice with problem cats. Her passing really hit home and she will be missed.