57° and Clear
Image
We say goodbye to a kind and gentle person who extended a helping hand to anyone in need. When friends and family had a problem they sought out Donna Swindell-Peloquin for a sympathetic ear and sound advice. Often, when asked about herself, Donna turned the conversation to who she was speaking to, often setting her own concerns aside in order to help, often with humor and grace.
Donna was born on January 28, 1956 in Revere MA. She later moved to Framingham with her family and graduated from Framingham North High School in 1974. Donna went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Fitchburg State College in 1978. In 1979 she married her high school sweetheart, Paul Peloquin.
Whether planning themed birthday parties for her children, organizing vacations with her “clipboard of fun, ” or visiting relatives, Donna was devoted to her family, and she loved being with people. Her goal in life was to help others in any way she could. Donna believed that every person has good qualities that should be recognized and acknowledged, a philosophy that impacted the lives of everyone encountered.
An ICU nurse for many years at what is now the MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham MA, Donna went on to work in the Recovery Room at the same institution. Towards the end of her career, she worked in medical billing for Equifax in Sudbury MA, in medical records at Milford Regional Hospital and finally as the nurse at what is now the Milford Regional Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Milford MA.
Although diagnosed with lung disease at an early age, Donna lived her life to the fullest. She passed away on Friday April 3, 2026 while in respite care at the Milford Gardens Rehabilitation Center in Milford, MA, ending her long and courageous battle with lung disease.
Donna leaves her husband of almost 47 years, Paul Peloquin, daughter Nicole (Peloquin) Hutchinson and her husband Erik of Parrish, FL, son James Staruk-Peloquin and his husband David of Millbury. A devoted grandmother, Donna leaves her beloved grandchildren Madeline and Chloe Hutchinson and Egypt and Pharaoh Staruk-Peloquin. She leaves her brother David Swindell and his wife Karen of Milford, and sister Susan Grant Romaine,and her husband Douglas of Riverview FL. Donna’s youngest brother, Douglas Swindell, predeceased her. In addition to immediate family Donna leaves many cousins, aunts and friends whom she dearly loved.
Visiting hours will be from 5 - 7 PM on Friday April 24, 2026 and 11 AM - 1 PM on Saturday April 25, 2026 in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home on 33 Cottage street in Franklin. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Donna’s memory to the American Lung Association.
Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com
