Donna Marie Pagano Mackey

Donna Marie Pagano Mackey, 81. Born June 3, 1941 in Canonsburg Pennsylvania. Formerly of Mt.Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Died peacefully on Monday, August 1, 2022 surrounded by family. Donna was a long-time member of Saint Ann’s Parish Castle Shannon, PA. She was pre-deceased by her parents Alfonso and Philomena Pagano. She is survived by her daughter Kelly Tanner (Phil),son Robert Mackey (Kristen), sister Norma Jean of Leslie, Missouri and beloved grandchildren Nicholas, Philip, and Lauren, and Elaine and Nina.  Watching her grandchildren grow and learn gave her great joy. 

Donna dedicated over 30 years of her life to teaching children in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. She chose to work with kindergartners and first graders because of their energy and enthusiasm and to witness the amazing strides they made every day.  Mrs. Mackey taught hundreds of children in the Beechview and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods. In those young minds she inspired love of music, art, reading, and learning. In retirement, Donna was often found playing bridge at the Galleria with friends and bridge partners of 50+ years.  Bridge was not so much about competition, but rather friendship and camaraderie. Many of life‘s biggest problems were solved over those decks of cards.

Donna took her health and fitness very seriously. She was often found doing power and yoga classes at Healthtrax and the JCC, sometimes multiple times a day in order to indulge her love of food, drink, music, and dancing - without any guilt!

Everyone who knew Donna and considered her a friend knew of her talent and passion for cooking and baking.  At one point or another most people in the south hills received a gift of biscotti or lasagna from Donna. And they were grateful for it. Nothing made her happier than being able to cook and provide food to friends and family and those that she loved. She passed her skills on to her children and grandchildren but they haven’t quite reached her level of mastery. It will be a never-ending quest. 

Not quite reaching five feet tall, Donna was small but mighty. She loved with a huge heart and everyone knew that she genuinely cared about them. Donna made friends everywhere she went. There was no task that she couldn’t tackle and no problem that she left unsolved. Donna’s favorite place was anywhere surrounded by family and friends, especially when the sun was shining.  Friends welcome 2-4, 6-8, THURSDAY, Freyvogel-Slater Funeral Directors (412-835-1860) 112 Fort Couch Rd, Bethel Park (Opposite Macy’s South Hills Village). Funeral Mass 10:00a.m. FRIDAY, St. John Capistran Church (Resurrection Parish).

www.SlaterFuneral.com