Donna Putnam,88

Donna Faith (Lanoue) Putnam, 88 of North Adams died peacefully at her home with her family by her side following a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in North Adams, MA on April 23, 1936, Donna was the daughter of the late William E. and Rose (Pugliese) Lanoue. Donna graduated with the class of 1954 at Drury High School and was a communicant of the First Baptist Church in North Adams. Her diverse career included roles at the Boston Store, Sprague Electric, Greenfield Savings Bank, and Hoosac Savings Bank. She also dedicated time to raising her children and caring for her parents. Later, she worked as a special education aide at Drury High School until her retirement. In July 1957 she married the love of her life, Herbert H. (Herbie) Putnam.

During her retirement, Donna and Herbie enjoyed 28 winters in Zephyrhills, FL, surrounded by family and cherished friends, before returning to North Adams in 2022 to be closer to her daughter. She was an active member of the Red Hat Chicks, and enjoyed hosting card/game nights and holiday gatherings. Donna loved adventures, camping across the USA and Canada, attending the yearly Putnam reunion in New Hampshire, and traveling to numerous countries including some river boat cruises. Donna was kind, creative, cheerful, and had a great sense of humor. She was an avid reader, enjoyed keeping her house tidy, and Donna made everyone that she came into contact with feel valued and appreciated.

She enjoyed going on trips with her daughter and spent the holidays in Florida with her son and grandchildren. Her greatest pleasure was her family. Her legacy is one of strong family values, love, respect, commitment, faith, and enduring traditions, which will continue in those whose lives were touched by her.

Donna leaves behind her loving husband of 66 years Herbert Putnam; her son Allen Putnam and his wife Beth of Jacksonville Beach, FL; and her daughter Heather Boulger and her husband Patrick of North Adams, MA. She also leaves her treasured grandchildren, Brittany Binder and her husband Michael; Ella Rose Wilcox and her husband Greg; and Conner Davis all of Florida. She also leaves valued sisters-in-law, Joyce Lanoue, Janet Lanoue, and Carolyn Chilson and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was pre-deceased by her brothers William E. Lanoue and Allen Lanoue, and her sister Prudence Lanoue and a step-sister Marie Crosby.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Hospice nurse Julie & Megan; to her healthcare angels Kaley, Corey, Kim, Heather, Nicky, and Donna; and to her niece Marilyn Gomeau and Pastor Dave Anderson for their support during the final days.

A Memorial service for Donna Putnam will be on Thursday June 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the North Adams First Baptist Church. A calling hour at the church will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 A.M. Burial will take place at a later date. A celebration of Donna’s life will follow the memorial service. Memorial donations are suggested for Pop Cares or the First Baptist Church through the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.