Donna D. Driscoll, age 76, of Montour Falls, passed away unexpectedly at home on January 21, 2026.
Donna was born in Ithaca, the daughter of the late John and Mabel Driscoll of Ithaca and Newfield.
A lifelong seeker of wisdom and beauty, Donna studied philosophy through Wisdom’s Goldenrod and the Center for Philosophic Studies, inspired by the writings of Paul Brunton. She also attended teachings with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on three occasions, experiences she treasured deeply.
At home, Donna expressed her love through cooking and hospitality. She delighted in preparing foods from many cuisines, entertaining guests, and creating a warm and welcoming table. She loved animals and regularly supported humane societies. She found joy outdoors — swimming in the Finger Lakes, visiting New York State Parks, boating on Seneca Lake, watching sunsets, and traveling to Maine, other parts of New England, and Nova Scotia. She also enjoyed music, art, and quiet reflection.
For more than 20 years, Donna devoted part of her life to caring for individuals with developmental disabilities through her work with New York State. Those who knew her saw this not simply as a job, but as another expression of her patience, gentleness, and deep compassion.
Above all, Donna’s greatest devotion was to her son, Stefan, whom she loved with unwavering pride and tenderness.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen M. Trego; her son and daughter-in-law, Stefan Driscoll-Trego and Alyssa Benjamin-Trego; her sister, Michelle Saraceni of Ithaca; sisters-in-law, Dorinda K. Campbell and Tammy A. Morris of Muncie, Indiana, Sue Driscoll of Ithaca, and Kathy Driscoll of Prescott Valley, Arizona; several nieces and nephews; and her lifelong best friend, Mary Ann Schmeltzer of Portland, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Donna’s memory to the Schuyler County Humane Society, P.O. Box 427, Montour Falls, NY 14865, or online at SchuylerHumane.org.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Funeral Home in Charge
