Donna (Swimm) Wolf

Donna Wolf, 82, of Cleveland, passed away on November 9, 2021 surrounded by her loving children. She was born on October 16, 1939 in Memphis, NY to the late Kester and the late Ruth (Mahannah) Swimm. Donna was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, James, on January 15, 2013; grandson, Joshua Domachowske; and all 4 of her siblings.

Donna graduated from Baldwinsville Academy in 1957 and then graduated from Oswego State University in 1962. She met and married James on August 11, 1962. They began their life journey as an Air Force Military couple, where they welcomed their first child. She was a wonderful wife and mother, holding life together as her family moved around wherever James was stationed, including remote tours overseas. Throughout her busy days, she welcomed 2 more children and taught school in many different states. In 1977, the family settled in Cleveland, NY where she began teaching and placing the family roots. After many years of teaching and working as Curriculum Consultant at Cleveland Elementary, she continued her education and became an Administrator. She began as Assistant Principal at Camden Elementary and soon after became a Principal at General Brown Elementary. After several years, she became the Principal at the Peterboro and South Side Schools in the Canastota District, from which she retired. Donna served her community wherever and whenever she could. Donna coached youth Softball teams on the Little Rock Air Force Base for 3 years. She was a registered member of the Cleveland Scouting Unit Troop 723 and put in countless hours supporting the scouts and their families. Donna was a dedicated member of the Cleveland United Methodist Church for many years and became the Lay Leader. She greatly enjoyed delivering sermons and supporting the parishioners. She initiated an after school homework program to support North Shore children and worked tirelessly to help children succeed. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was that she was a constant source of support and encouragement for the neighborhood children, and hers was a door that could be knocked on at any time, day or night, whether they needed a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or a good home cooked meal. Donna was known as “Mama Wolf” by all, and Mama Wolf will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Donna is survived by her partner of 6 years, James D'Imperio; children, Linda ( Jon) Ceilly, Rebecca Domachowske, and Clark (Jennifer) Wolf; grandchildren, Quinn and Sean Ceilly, Jacob, Jared “Sam”, Savannah, and Michela Domachowske, Alec Panos, Ella Wolf, and Cory Wolf; 5 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, November 12 from 4-6 PM at Watson Funeral Home, Central Square. A second Visitation will be held from 10 am – 12pm on Saturday at Cleveland United Methodist Church, 73 Bridge St, Cleveland, NY. A Funeral Service will follow on Saturday at 12 PM. Burial will be in Maple Flats Cemetery, Cleveland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research or to the Cleveland United Methodist Church in Donna's honor.

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