Donna M. (Bessette) Ryder

Donna M. Ryder

GREENFIELD- Donna M. (Bessette) Ryder, 53, of Iris Court and formerly of Orange, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at home after being stricken ill.
Born in Ware on November 28, 1962, she was a daughter of the late Leo Sr. and Rena (Dodge) Bessette and grew up in Orange, graduating from the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School with the Class of 1980.
Donna was married to Robert Ryder for 20 years.
A Certified Nursing Assistant, Donna had worked at the Baldwinville Nursing Home for over 13 years and enjoyed helping the elderly.
A loving mother to her daughters, Donna was also an avid gardener. She enjoyed going to the ocean and being outdoors, especially at Lake Mattawa in Orange where she spent numerous hours.
Survivors include her two daughters, Kelly Avant and her husband, Jason, of Worcester and Courtney Ryder of Orange; grandchildren, Skyleigh Dambrosia and Kendra Dambrosia; brothers, Dan King and Robert Bessette, both of Orange; many nephews and nieces as well as grandnephews and grandnieces; mother in law, Jean Ryder of Athol; and many friends.
Donna was predeceased by her father on November 20, 2009, her mother on March 22, 1994, brothers Leo Joseph Bessette on March 7, 1993 and Kevin Bessette on June 7, 2013, and a sister in law, Charlene King on March 7, 2009.
There are no calling hours.
A graveside service will be held on June 11, 2016 at 11 a.m. at South Cemetery, 585 South Main Street, Orange.
Following the service, a celebration of Donna’s life will be held at the Wheelerville Community Club, 698 East Main Street, Orange.
Donations in Donna’s memory can be made to the Activities Fund at Baldwinville Nursing Home, 51 Hospital Road, Baldwinville, MA 01436
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.
You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com