How Can We Grow?
The Rev. Donna Lima-Monteiro passed away at her home on October 6th. Her funeral will be held at St. Anne’s, Abington on October 25th at 10 a.m. Viewing will take place from 9-10 a.m. Burial will be at Holy Sepulchre cemetery in Cheltenham, at Easton Rd. and Cheltenham Ave. A lunch reception will follow at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Abington. At the luncheon the family requests that you wear your favorite Philly sports team attire, per Donna’s request (only at the luncheon.) The services will be streamed via Facebook for those unable to attend the service. In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Episcopal Church or A Woman’s Place in Doylestown.
Her obituary as provided by the family is below:
Donna Lima-Monteiro of Warrington, PA passed away on October 6, 2023. She was 73 years young and surrounded by love at the time of her passing. She was the granddaughter of Leandro and Leticia Duarte Silvia (Potter), daughter of Emmanuel Lima and Louise S Webster (Silvia). She is survived by her daughter Jael Fatiga (Warrington), son- in- law Frank Fatiga, grandson Frankie Fatiga and granddaughter Mia Fatiga. She is also survived by four brothers, many nieces and nephews and many great nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as long-time friends Harvey and Latricia Bunch and Judy Aronson her extended family she chose, and she loved everyone immensely.
Donna was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in East Mount Airy part of Philadelphia. Donna embraced every day of life. She started dancing at the age of 3, which led to her dancing and acting in numerous plays and shows throughout her life.
She attended Cecilian Academy then continued her education at Temple University. In 1969 she was one of the first women to sign up for ROTC at Temple. Donna was a trailblazer who felt life should be lived and if you wanted to do something make it happen. In 1972 she married Edward Warrington and in 1974 welcomed her only child Jael who was everything to her. They lived in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, where she started Neighbors Community Theatre Company.
Besides dance, Donna was a Philadelphia sports fan. As a child, she would beg her parents to take her to Connie Mac Stadium to let her watch games. She didn’t discriminate - every sports team was hers: Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, Philadelphia Union and the Flyers! She was proud and let everyone know Philadelphia was her home, and nowhere was better than Philadelphia. Those who knew her would say they could discuss everything and anything with her and she knew all. She was a well-educated and extremely diverse person. She loved reading, gaining knowledge and a good mystery!
Donna spent years catering in Philadelphia and New York. She loved it and her daughter would say it was because it was a production every time. Donna made sure every detail was completed, which made each event magical. She was the catering director at Veterans Stadium and her love for sports made this a dream job. She ran the restaurant, and had staff to feed the players, their families and the media. She got to discuss one of her passions, sports, and even surprised many players, coaches and news media how much she knew regarding every Philadelphia sports team.
In 1998 and 2003 she welcomed her two grandchildren, Frankie and Mia, who gave her such joy. She lit up just talking about them, every milestone and every accomplishment. She would say her marks on this world are her babies. She was the most amazing grandmother, supportive and loving.
Throughout life the one thing that kept her going was her faith. In 2015 Donna became an ordained deacon in The Episcopal church. Donna was a hospital chaplain at Holy Redeemer Hospital, University of Penn Hospital and Saint Joseph's Villa. She worked with numerous organizations and even took to the streets of Kensington to pray for the lost souls, give them communion and let them know God loved them no matter what!