Donna Sullivan Piotti

Donna Sullivan Piotti, born on July 24, 1949, in Cortland, NY, passed away surrounded by family on October 1, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of Martha Ames Sullivan and Donald N. Sullivan.

Donna shared 49 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband and best friend, Wayne H. Piotti, whom she wed on October 19, 1975.

She was a cherished sister to Nancy Plockelman, Dee (Andrew) Scott, and Casey (T.J.) Quinn.

A loving mother, Donna was proceeded in death by her beloved daughter, Shana Allen.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela Lyon of Lansdale, PA; son, Demian (Andrea) Piotti and her forever son in law, Nicholas Allen II. Donna's legacy lives on through her grandchildren Catherine, Jacob, Shana, Alexander, Leigh, Maya, Michaela, Jackson and Diana and two great-grandchildren, Daisy and Stella, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who brought immense joy to her life.

Donna was a proud graduate of the Cortland Campus School and pursued higher education at Onondaga Community College, where she earned a degree in Architectural Design. She broke barriers as the first female member of middle management at Smith Corona. Her passion for design led her to be a successful self-employed Architectural Designer. Additionally, she contributed her talents to the Area Child Care Council, CAPCO and the Homer Congregational Church, where her dedication and creativity made a lasting impact.

Donna enjoyed gardening, reveling in the beauty of nature, and delighting in bird watching with her husband. She also enjoyed engaging in word games, reading and puzzles, a testament to her sharp mind and love for learning.

She was known as the neighborhood mom who believed family was more than blood, but also those you choose to love. Above all, Donna deeply loved her family, cherishing every moment spent with them.

She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the love she extended to all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 U.S. Route 11, Homer. Interment in Glenwood Cemetery, Homer, will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Hospice of Cortland County, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045 or to the Cortland County SPCA, 879 McLean Road, Cortland, NY 13045.

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