We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Donna Cassano. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
Donna asked that in lieu of... see moreWe created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Donna Cassano. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
Donna asked that in lieu of other gifts or flowers you make a donation to a local or other charity that you support. If you life in Flagstaff, here are some suggestions that Donna offered:
Flagstaff Shelter Services
Earth Justice
Mountain Girl Rescue
High Country Humane
Flagstaff Family Food Center
Boys and Girls Club of Flagstaff
Ark Cat Sanctuary
Donna was a fierce advocate for the causes she believed in, from animal rescue to endangered species recovery to protecting wild places and more. I mostly saw her with a smile on her face, but she did not shy away from speaking out in anger when she... moreDonna was a fierce advocate for the causes she believed in, from animal rescue to endangered species recovery to protecting wild places and more. I mostly saw her with a smile on her face, but she did not shy away from speaking out in anger when she recognized injustice in the world. She had so much love in her heart for people and animals alike, and that love could burn like fire when harm was being done to the people, places, and animals she cared so much about.
She was tireless in fighting for what she believed in, a warrior who exemplified both compassion and justice.
Donna was also a wealth of knowledge. While she was always so modest, she could tell you the stories of wolves, could pull up historical data with a snap of her fingers, and could cut to the heart of an issue with ease. In her own words, she once told me that she did this work because she wanted to create awareness and educate the public about the challenges that Mexican wolves face and to empower people to take action to ensure that this unique subspecies may recover and thrive. She lived that mission every day, and I admired Donna for her mind as much as for her heart.
I had the honor of working with Donna both when I was a volunteer and when I joined the Lobos of the Southwest staff. In both roles, Donna inspired and encouraged me. When times were tough, we could support and comfort each other. We laughed and cried together. And throughout it all, Donna always made me feel accepted for who I am. I hope I did the same for her.
Donna was one of those people who will forever leave an imprint in my life. Her smile, spirit, knowledge, and passion will live on in the small ways in which I can carry on our shared work.
But I’m not the only one carrying on our work. With each person who knew Donna, each person that continues the fight, Donna’s legacy grows. There will be dogs and cats with forever homes because of her work and her example. There will be wolves that roam free because of her support. There will be wild places that will be protected because she inspired people to care.
You made a difference, Donna, for me and for so many others. Thank you for being one of the bravest people I know and the kind of person I strive to be. I’m going to miss you, but I’m so grateful for the time we shared. less
My dear, dear "baby" sister. I miss you so very much. I'm so thankful for your visit last year with the "pups" and your stay with Bryan and I ... I have such wonderful, cherished memories of that time. I'm so very, very proud of... moreMy dear, dear "baby" sister. I miss you so very much. I'm so thankful for your visit last year with the "pups" and your stay with Bryan and I ... I have such wonderful, cherished memories of that time. I'm so very, very proud of you and all you've accomplished in your lifetime! So many friends you have kiddo and they all miss you as I do! I hope your happy in your next chapter enjoying time with Mom and Dad and the rest of the family, and playing with the many pets we all had over the years. I'm sure Rocky was thrilled to greet you. Give my love to all up there and I know I will see you again my dear Donna. Thinking of you every day with love kiddo! less
This is such sad news. Donna lived life fully and gracefully, but she deserved so much more. I worked with her in the Mexicanwolf.org and she was a committed and tireless advocate. She always arrived and greeted everyone with a smile and a laugh. The... moreThis is such sad news. Donna lived life fully and gracefully, but she deserved so much more. I worked with her in the Mexicanwolf.org and she was a committed and tireless advocate. She always arrived and greeted everyone with a smile and a laugh. The wolves are so much better off because of Donna. less
It is hard to think about you gone from Flagstaff. You were always one of the people who went out of your way to say hello when you spotted someone from across the room at an event or hearing, always there to support a good cause and many good causes,... moreIt is hard to think about you gone from Flagstaff. You were always one of the people who went out of your way to say hello when you spotted someone from across the room at an event or hearing, always there to support a good cause and many good causes, and there to support and be a friend. Your spirit of doing good lives on in all the lives you touched and all memories we have of you. As I am writing this, I hear your laugh and your words of encouragement. Go in peace dear Donna. less
Wish I saw you again Donna - thought I would before you were hoping to move. That is what you wanted the last time we talked on the phone, but sometimes time runs out. You were brave, diligent, determined, and open to life. In the short time I knew you,... moreWish I saw you again Donna - thought I would before you were hoping to move. That is what you wanted the last time we talked on the phone, but sometimes time runs out. You were brave, diligent, determined, and open to life. In the short time I knew you, I learned quite a bit about a lot of things you were interested in and shared a vendor booth a few times with your beautiful jewelry. One of the best parts of Flagstaff was you as my neighbor - and you were happy to have a neighbor who would talk, watch the house, camp, take the dogs out, clean the backyard. You were such a chill person, said you had lived and you were happy with your life and things you had done. You always confirmed that. I am so happy so many loved and cherished friends could show you how much they cared and loved you, or adored your life's work - dedicated to great causes. I donate to Reigning Grace Ranch for our Charlie so he can gave his good life. Thanks for watching over us all as your neighbors - Sol, Charlie and Julie. ♡ Rest in peace, and thank you for being my friendly neighbor. ♡☆☆ less
Every memory I have of you, Donna, is a delightful memory. From goofing off at work, playing cRazY poker with the ladies, your tent blowing over while you were in it, and you fostering my Maslow and sending him to me nearly perfectly behaved. I will miss... moreEvery memory I have of you, Donna, is a delightful memory. From goofing off at work, playing cRazY poker with the ladies, your tent blowing over while you were in it, and you fostering my Maslow and sending him to me nearly perfectly behaved. I will miss you. Give some love to Maslow, Jung, and Rocky for me. You will be greatly missed. Love love love. My condolences to all those who loved her. less