Donna M. (Shea) Papoui, passed away on June 15th surrounded by her loving family, listening to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Springfield, MA on April 28, 1964 to George (Red) Shea and Gail (Pepin) Johnson, Donna attended and graduated from Santa Rosa High School in Pace, Florida, before later going on to receive her certificate in Addiction Counseling from Westfield State University; a feat she was beyond proud of. She also served her country proudly in the US Army, obtaining the rank of Private 1st class. Donna was an extremely loving mother, grandmother, and beautiful soul all around. She was always the happiest and strongest person in the room, having beat cancer four separate times, and consistently spreading joy to all who got the chance to know her. Donna was an avid fan of the beach, and a Springfield Thunderbirds season ticket holder, always attending hockey games with her son and granddaughter. She loved animals, and was very outspoken against the cruelty of confinement in zoos. Her final wish was for everyone to live in peace, love, and harmony. Donna was predeceased by her father George, brother Timothy Shea, and fur baby and soulmate, Pugsly. She leaves behind her loving mother, Gail, her two sons Anthony Shea, and Christopher Sivard, and honorary daughter Aidalys Monserrate, granddaughter Destiny Shea, sisters Kimberly Thibodeau, and Sherri, and two fur babies Dunkin and Walter. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1:00 to 7:00 P.M. at AMVETS Post 12, 754 Montgomery Street Chicopee, MA 01020. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The American Cancer Society or The ASPCA in her name.