Obituary of Donna Marie Oaks

 In Loving Memory of

Donna Marie Oaks

June 7, 1963 – October 31, 2025

Our hearts are broken as we share that Donna Marie Oaks, 62, passed away on October 31, 2025, in Rochester, New York.

Donna was born on June 7, 1963, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to the late Dolores Correira and William F. Golliff. She spent most of her life in Florida, where she poured her heart into everything she did — whether it was working as a horticulturist for White Rose Nurseries, caring for animals on an exotic farm, or serving others with her warm smile and quick wit. Donna had a deep love for the earth, for all creatures, and for the people lucky enough to know her.

In 2007, she made a new home in Rochester, New York, where she continued to share her kindness, laughter, and light with everyone around her. She was the kind of woman who could make a room brighter just by walking into it — full of humor, heart, and love.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved life partner, Johnny Stanley, whom she loved deeply.

She is survived by her daughter, Ashley Nolot of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; two granddaughters who were her pride and joy, Havyn Kletter and Layland Kletter, both of Little River, South Carolina; and her stepdaughter, Shaneaka Jones of Fayetteville, North Carolina. In January, the family will welcome Donna’s first great-granddaughter, Marley Mae, a little blessing Donna was so excited to meet and already loved beyond words.

She also leaves behind two sisters, Linda Burrill of Williston, Florida, and Sheila Golliff of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; a nephew, David Burrill of Oakland, California; and a niece, Brandi Bachand of Connecticut.

Donna’s love was steady, fierce, and unconditional. She taught us the beauty of resilience, the joy of laughter, and the comfort of a gentle heart. Though our lives will never be the same without her, her spirit will forever live on in the flowers she loved the animals she cared for, and the family she adored.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Falvo Funeral Home, Inc. in Webster, New York, with cremation at Rochester Crematory, Inc.