Obituary of Donna Helena Roberts

Donna Helena Roberts

Pittsford: Peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the age of 46. Predeceased by her aunt, Julie Han; uncle, Steve Han; grandfather, Paul Han. Donna is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Nick Kasimatis; beloved daughters, Lucia & Lauretta; her parents, Malcolm and Helena Biddle; maternal grandmother, Anna Han; paternal grandmother, Patricia Biddle; brothers, Benjamin (Taka) Biddle and Calvin (Susanna) Biddle; mother-in-law, Alexandra Derrico; sister-in-law, Karem (Jorge) Luz; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Donna will be remembered for her infectious smile and the love, laughter and joy she spread to everyone she knew. She was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, where she made countless childhood friends through school and sports. She was a tremendous athlete, excelling in Volleyball and Basketball. Donna was an inspirational big sister and built-in babysitter for her two younger brothers, Ben and Cal. They loved Donna deeply and attribute their success in life to the example set by their older sister.

Donna was also successful in her pursuit of academics, achieving honor roll status in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program in Secondary School before receiving her Bachelor of Education at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in British Columbia. It was at university that she met her beloved life partner, Nick, while working together at the university pub. Donna proceeded to teach 11th and 12th grade Science and Math for several years. Then along came two wonderful daughters, Lucia and Lauretta. Donna was a lovingly devoted mother and was very proud of her beautiful girls.

After Nick received his PhD in Economics at SFU, Donna and Nick packed up the family and moved across the continent, settling first in Brighton, New York. Shortly after the move, Donna began to work at Twelve Corners Nursery School. She took on the roles of both preschool director and teacher with enthusiasm and professionalism. Her warmth, creativity, and ability to connect with the children and parents at the school was incredible. Donna was always implementing new ideas to improve the preschool program and to engage the children each day. She touched countless lives by providing the preschoolers she taught such an exceptional first experience with school.

After a few years in Brighton, the family purchased a home in the nearby town of Pittsford where Donna found the community that she had been searching for. Donna quickly developed countless loving and lasting friendships, many of which she found and nurtured at the Schottland YMCA, her home away from home.

Although she left this world much too soon, Donna lived her life to the fullest. She was a genuine, caring and engaging woman who made a profound impact on everyone she met. Her life was undoubtedly filled with the components that made her the happiest: family, friends and community.

Donna's Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 2nd from 1:00pm -4:00pm at the Schotland YMCA (West Entrance) 2300 West Jefferson Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help Donna's girls achieve their future goals, https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-donnas-girls-achieve-their-future-goals?attribution_id=sl:6603c42e-d809-44bf-be79-8f5a3a735e2c&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_c&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link