Donna Lee McAuliffe
July 29, 1949 - January 2, 2022
Donna Lee McAuliffe, age 72, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 2, 2022.
Born in New London, CT, on July 29, 1949, as Dona Lee McAuliffe due to a misspelling on her birth certificate. She was the daughter of the late Charles Michael and Doris (Garvey) McAuliffe of Bellows Falls, VT. Donna worked in the airline industry for most of her adult life. She was an airlines baggage handler, ticket agent, and supervisor on many East Coast airports. Donna became one of the first female New Castle County Airport Security Officers at New County Airport, and retired from airport service as a DRBA Airport Safety Office on February 29, 2012 after 20 years of dedicated service.
The loves of her life were her pet dogs and cats, caring for her plants, reading, and dancing. Donna met Lee McGaughan in 1995, and they became best friends over the years. In 2000, Donna and Lee became domestic partners and had many wonderful years together.
In addition to her parents, Donna is preceded in death by her brother, Michael McAuliffe. She is survived by her domestic partner, Lee McGaughan; son, Charles Robert Lavelle of New Castle; and brother, James G. McAuliffe of Bybee, TN.
All services will be held privately.
Gail Pollinger
Beautiful memories of Donna. Glad to have reconnected with her after so many years. It was great to have known you and called you my friend.
Wayne & Susan
Donna was an amazing friend and we are saddened by her passing. We are so blessed to have known and worked with her.
Susan B Johnson
So very sorry for your loss Lee……..but knowing that Donna is at peace and in God’s hands surely will give you comfort in the days ahead…….Sue, Bob and Murphy
Michael Shaw
Donna,
you were my teacher, mentor and most of all a true friend when I was assigned to the Airport. I could not ask for a better person to teach me what I needed to know about airport procedures. I truly enjoyed every minute we spent together be it work or pleasure. I wish we had spent more time after retirement. Rest in Peace until we meet again.
Lee, sorry for your loss.
Christopher Gossner
Heavenly Rest Donna, you’ve earned your ‘wings’. You taught me well. I’m still ‘earning my wings’, still in the airline industry today – 40+ years later!! I cherish our time together at Altair Airlines in Hartford way back ‘in our younger years & simpler times – for sure’!! You taught me well. “Until we meet again.”
Tanja & Rigwr
So sorry for your loss, she was a beautiful woman that I was blessed to have met and I enjoyed talking with her. R.I.P Donna.
Marshall & Mary L Doty
Donna was a strong, smart, and loving woman, who gave her time and interest to others. She was the soul mate of Lee McGaughan and a friend to many others.