Donna Marie Merenda
February 10, 1947 ~ April 29, 2021
Donna Marie (DeMayo) Merenda,74, of Weirton, WV, passed away, at her home on Thursday, April 29, 2021.
Donna was born in Steubenville, OH, on February 10, 1947 to Albert (Palsy) and Anna (Nina Beraducci) DeMayo.
She graduated from Steubenville Catholic Central High School in in 1965, and briefly attended West Liberty State College, where she met her future husband, Carl David Merenda.
Donna and Carl were married on a very snowy day on February 13, 1971. This was the beginning of 50 years of marriage and Carl’s career with the United States Air Force. Over those 22 years of service, Donna perfected the art of packing, moving and creating a new home across no less than 8 states while raising 3 children, each born in a different state.
They eventually settled back in Weirton, WV to be near family. This allowed Donna to work outside her home with a couple of years as secretary to Sacred Heart of Mary School but with a 20+ year career as a financial aid counselor for the Franciscan University of Steubenville where those children became her children. One student in particular, Patrick Prescott, became like a son to her and kept in touch and visited her throughout the years. With her sassy wit, Donna was a strong influence in teaching all she considered to be her children to be independent. If you knew her … you loved her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Albert and Richard DeMayo.
She will be remembered with love by her husband, Carl David Merenda, her son, Carl Frank Merenda (fiancé, Jaedra Luke); her two daughters, Nicolette (husband James Mehaffey) and Kristina (husband Michael Redwood); and eight grandchildren, Jamie, Connor, Sophie, Nico, Ava, Gia, Kalen and Rocco. She is survived by younger brother Raymond DeMayo.
Visitation will be 4PM until 8 PM Friday at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM Saturday at the Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church 200 Preston Avenue Weirton, WV.
Donna will be laid to rest in St. Paul's cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church.
Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com
So very sorry for your loss, sending my deepest condolences and prayers for the family
All our love, Shari, Johnathan, Sarah & Kenny and families
What a beautiful lady! May Donna’s memory be eternal. Keeping you all in my prayers ♡
Kristina and family, you have my deepest condolences. I know she had a rough ride at the end, but was a very blessed woman with a beautiful family! We’re covering you all in prayer. May she now rest in the arms of our Lord. Eddie, Carrie (Oliver) and Caleb Shultz
I met Donna when our daughter went to Sacred Heart of Mary school. And later I filled in for her at FUS. She is someone I called a friend and she will be missed by many who knew her. RIP Donna, you have had a rough journey the last 20 + years. With sincere sympathy to Carl and family. Darla Ogle
Dear Carl and Family, Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Donna. What a wonderful person. I went to grade school with her at St. Peter’s I remember her being a cheerleader. I don’t know if you will remember me or not I brought Susan McDonough over to see Donna when she was home for Christmas. God Bless May She Rest in Peace.
Dear Nicolette and Merenda family, My family and I send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dear mom. May she forever rest in peace, and may your cherished memories bring you comfort during this devastating time. Domenico & Gina Di Bacco & family
“Donna Merenda” brought so many gifts to our life. We will never forget him/her!
Carl and Family, Deepest Sympathies on your loss Steve Klash
So sorry for your loss Kristina. Your mom was such a sweet lady. It was a privilege to meet her. Sending many prayers and comfort in the days ahead. Love ya.
Dear Carl, Nicolette, Kristina & Carl and families, our deepest sympathy for your loss; our hearts are heavy after hearing of Donna’s passing, so many fond memories of her. Please know that we have you in our thoughts & prayers, and that Donna will Rest in Peace, she has indeed earned her angel wings. Love, Mike & Marlene Runkel
To my dear friend who I will miss forever..who I have missed for a very long time now..you are at peace and so now am I knowing your back to yourself in your new life. May you Rest In Peace, may your family whom you loved so much find their peace quickly. See you on the other side girlfriend. And thank you for a long book of memories I will cherish. Love you.
Rest In Peace. You will be missed
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With love and deepest sympathies from, Patty, Ashley, Tess and Taylor
I first met Donna through Kristina and Allison. Later we served on the school board together and were cheering coaches. She was a special loving lady. I enjoyed her sense of humor and sarcasm. May she Rest In Peace. ❤️ Marilyn Turner
Donna was a dedicated and hard worker at FUS. We had a disagreement about a purple coneflower on campus. I thought it was beautiful, she didn’t. So, I picked a flower, went back to my office, and mailed it to her. She was a delight.