In Our Care

Donna Marie Miller

03/31/1964 - 09/12/2021

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Obituary For Donna Marie Miller

Donna M. Abenante Miller, 57, of Bristol, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, September 12, 2021. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Sylvia Proto. A lifelong resident of Bristol, Donna was fiercely loving, adventurous and perpetually young at heart. She was the life of any party, the first on the dance floor and a truly unforgettable friend. Donna was like the sun as she would light up any room she walked in to as well as the faces of her many friends and family. Donna was truly a jack of all trades. Aside from her job as a District Financial Manager for Genesis health care, she doubled not only as a lifelong warrior in the fight against Alzheimers Disease but an amazing personal trainer. Her love of fitness and the outdoors took her fishing, hiking, skiing, kayaking and exploring anywhere she could. Despite being a woman of so many interests, there was nothing Donna loved more than her family, friends, and of course beloved puppies. One could find Donna passionately cheering for her son, Jake, at his hockey games, spending time being creative with her step daughter Zoe, or talking fitness with her step son Zachary. She was quick to welcome new additions into the family as her own as Jake's fiancé Emma and Zachary's girlfriend, Ashleigh, can attest. On an average day she could be found spoiling her two dogs, Guinness and Kolby, alongside her adoring husband Ben, who followed this free spirit around the world on trips to wineries, mountains and really anywhere they could go. Donna lived her life to the fullest every chance she had and was an inspiration to those lucky enough to know her. She is survived by her husband, Ben Miller of Bristol; her son, Jacob Abenante of Bristol; her step daughter, Zoe Miller of Portsmouth; her step son, Zachary Miller of Bristol; two sisters, Kelly Debney of Bristol and Kimberly Debney of Barrington; Jacob's father, James Abenante Jr., her puppies Guinness and Kolby, and her grand-pup Oakley.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 26, 2021 from 3-6PM at Smith Funeral and Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI. A mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, September 27, 2021 at 10AM in St. Mary's Church, 330 Wood St. Bristol, RI. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Donna's honor to the Alzheimer's Association, 245 Waterman St #306, Providence, RI 02906. For online tributes, visit www.wjsmithfh.com.

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Condolences

  • 09/28/2021

    I had the pleasure of knowing Donna for many many years as her chiropractor. She was a beautiful person inside and out and had a true joie de vivre-zest for life! We chatted every visit and she always lovingly spoke of her husband, Ben and was extremely proud of her son, Jacob! Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Dr. Jan Slater

  • 09/27/2021

    A simple bone density test when we met when you worked for Dr T end up in a beautiful friendship I will forever treasure. The many personal training sessions that were filled with love and laughter. I remember when you met Ben the love you instantly had for him. There are so many fond memories of you to many to count. Rest In Peace my friend until we meet again. Love you ❤️

  • 09/27/2021

    Ben & Family.....I am so saddened to hear of Donna's passing. A wonderful upbeat woman who I had the pleasure of getting to know through Genesis. She helped me so much through my mom's time there but she went above and beyond. We exchanged many tales & laughs about our families and our critters. Truly a joy and a light that is gone far too soon. Hugs, Karen Levin & Family

  • 09/26/2021

    I miss you "Felicia" Love, "Ember"

  • 09/26/2021

    My deepest condolences to Jacob, Ben n Donnas family I was blessed to have worked with her for many yrs along with walking by her side for the fight against Alz.. Hold onto all the wonderful memories of a beloved wife and mother . Sending thoughts and prayers during this difficult time Roseann St Godard

  • 09/25/2021

    Jake, I first met your mom when she and your Dad starting dating someplace in Junior High and spent many special days with her. When Sherry and I first got together and needed a place to live, she generously offered your grandmother's house in Barrington. For that we are forever grateful. Jake, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love, Michael & Sherry Notarangelo

  • 09/24/2021

    To Ben, his mom, his siblings, children, all the family including my brother Paul and Donna's family...I share your heartbreak over this sad loss and wish you comfort in knowing how many thoughts from so many people are with you right now. As another friend has stated, the remembrance of Donna as written was beautiful, and I have wonderful memories of her on my holiday visits, always welcoming and supportive of my endeavors. Blessings, and gratitude for her life.

  • 09/23/2021

    I am so heartbroken to hear this. She sounds like she was an amazing person. God bless you and your family as you grieve.

  • 09/23/2021

    Dear Ben, Zachary, Zoe, Jacob and Donna's family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Words cannot express how my heart aches for you all. Donna was a wonderful person who loved life and everything in it. I have so many fond memories of hockey tournaments with her braiding Meagan's hair, cheering Jacob on and whole heartily enjoying every moment. She will be missed. May your fond memories and the support of family and friends help to ease you pain during this time. Thinking of you all....

  • 09/23/2021

    Ben, my deepest sympathy for your tremendous loss. Draw upon the love of family & friends that surround you to give you strength.

  • 09/23/2021

    Ben and family - I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved wife and mother. I pray your hearts remain filled with wonderful memories to sustain you until you meet again in eternity.

  • 09/23/2021

    My deepest sympathy to her family. I can't believe she is gone life is just not fair Rest In Peace . Class if 1982 Rebecca Luther StVincent Gone but not forgotten

  • 09/22/2021

    Our deepest Condolences to the Miller and Abanate family. May she continue her great adventure in eternal life walking in the lord's footsteps. My you all find peace during these difficult times. God Bless!!

  • 09/22/2021

  • 09/22/2021

    My condolences to Ben n Donna's families. I met Donna once n that was at Barnstable High School class of 1984 35th class reunion, I'm glad I introduced myself to her. Ben I'm so sorry. RIP Donna 🥀❤

  • 09/22/2021

    To Jacob, Ben and Donna's family: I am so sorry for your loss. The obituary for her was a perfect representation of who she was and is why she was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. She will continue to live on in everyone's hearts and memories. She is gone way too soon but we are lucky to have had her in our lives.

  • 09/22/2021

    Condolences to the Miller and Abanate family for your loss our Class of 82 will sadly miss her. She was always fun and vibrant

  • 09/22/2021

  • 09/22/2021

    Jacob and Family, especially Ann, We were so sad to hear of Donna's passing. We have fond memories of the family atmophere we had RAM School, it was wonderful. We were so fortunate to meet. Sending love, beautiful memories, and best wishes to you all. The Wolfang Family

  • 09/22/2021

    I will forever be grateful to have been blessed to live across the street from my dearest Dee for the past 19 years. I will miss her forever, I am so sorry that she left us all to soon. Dance in heaven Sunshine...with love, Celeste Greco Kotuby

  • 09/21/2021

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