Donna L. Pansetti Swiantek, 72, of Old Saybrook, formerly of East Haven, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021.  She was born in New Haven on October 29, 1948 and was the loving daughter of the late Mendes and Florence Pansetti and mother of the late Christopher Swiantek, who always remained in her heart. She is survived by her devoted family members: husband Burton Swiantek for almost 50 years, son Gregory Swiantek, daughter Melissa (Joe) Milano, sister Carla (Luciano) Salvatore, nephews Sergio (Meghan) Salvatore and Stefano (Caitlin) Salvatore, and great nieces Sorella and Everly Salvatore, as well as her beloved grandchildren Nathan and Kevin Milano and Remy Swiantek. She is also survived by many special cousins with whom she spent much of her childhood. Donna had a love of all children, having chosen a career in education, but she had the greatest love for her own.  A fiercely dedicated wife and mother, and later in her life a stroke survivor, Donna taught everyone she knew the true meaning of loyalty, resilience, and strength. Quite simply, this is a woman who never gave up.

There will be a ceremony for Donna’s immediate family at The Havens Family,  North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue followed by a private burial at All Saints Cemetery, with the intention of a memorial service in her honor when it is safe for all who loved her to gather and commemorate her life’s story.