MADISON - Donna Jean Scalissi, age 95, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Heritage Monona. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. She was born on June 22, 1929, in Madison, the daughter of John and Janet (Busch) Steckler.

Donna married Ben Scalissi on June 28, 1947, in Stoughton. A homemaker, she raised her children with love and care. Donna was a member of St. James Catholic Church. She loved dancing (especially the jitterbug) with Ben, and bowling, in which she bowled a 600. In younger days, she easily assumed a handstand and walked on her hands! Donna and Ben enjoyed camping and boating with their family at Lake George, where they owned a permanent site, for 27 years. She excelled to the highest degree in love and tender care to her family and friends. She made you feel instantly comfortable, and made friends everywhere, from the Walmart checkout to sidewalks in Sicily (the fact they didn’t speak the same language didn’t phase her in the least). Even in the sunset of her life, beset by many ailments, she went out of her way to show her love. Many residents and staff at Heritage told her family how she brightened their days through kind words and actions, giving special attention to residents who were lonely or shy. Most of all, she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren. She absolutely adored them, and they meant the world to her.

The family wishes to thank Jerry and Linda Scalissi and Joanne Wilson for their loving respite care, the loving staff at Heritage Monona, especially beloved nurse, Cindy; and also wishes to thank the staff at Brighton Hospice for their expertise and loving guidance through this difficult time.

Donna is survived by her sons, Benard (Jessica) Scalissi and Joseph (Deb) Scalissi; grandchildren, Tracie (Lucas) Rowell, Biagio Scalissi and Giovanna Scalissi; great-grandchildren, Landon Rowell and Sloane Rowell; sister, Joann Wilson; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Janet and John; husband, Ben; brother, John “Jack” Steckler; grandchildren, Matthew, Mark and Luke; and great-grandchild, Brayden.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT THE ST. JAMES CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, with Father Drew Olson presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Donna Jean Scalissi

June 22, 1929 - May 25, 2025

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