In Loving Memory of Donna Marie Polan

March 31, 1956-July 29, 2024

Donna Marie Polan passed away on July 29, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a two-year battle with cancer. Donna was born in Bronx, NY on March 31, 1956, to Carmine and Josephine Rango. She is survived by her loving husband Steve Polan, her sister Lucille Gibson (Rango), brother Carmine Rango Jr. and wife Jennifer, brother Keith Rango and wife Wendy, nephew Nikolaus Rango, niece Alexa Rango, many nephews and nieces from the Polan families, and many cousins from the Placco and Rango families. She was preceded in death by her father Carmine and mother Josephine.

Donna lived in the Bronx until she was ten years old. When her family moved upstate to Fishkill, NY, she was thrilled at the idea of living in “the country.” That’s where she eventually met Steve, whom she married on August 29, 1987. They were the love of each other’s lives and the best of friends. Along with Steve came a huge family of brothers- and sisters-in law, nieces, and nephews who she loved as her own.

Loyalty and dedication were the hallmarks of Donna’s life. If you wanted a ride-or-die by your side, Donna was your girl. Even at a young age she showed exceptional strength and resilience, battling and beating cancer at only eighteen. She began a career at New York Telephone shortly thereafter in order to care for herself, and she was a dependable and reliable employeee for 37 years. She enjoyed learning the technical, hands-on aspects of her work and loved any chance to use her tool bag. Whether she was at work or with friends and family, she was constantly looking for ways to be generous and help those who were in need. She loved to travel, and often spoke fondly of her favorite vacation to Hawaii. She always wanted to go back there with Steve, but never got the chance. But be assured that she plans to do that eventually, during much better times. Donna was a woman of faith, a faith which never wavered. She dedicated her life and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1974. She wanted to tell as many people as possible about the beautiful future that the Bible promises. She had full confidence that God’s Kingdom will come and rule on earth as it does in heaven, as described in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-10). That is when she plans to take Steve to Hawaii, enjoying the perfect health and paradise conditions that God always intended. She spoke often about that future time, when she could help clean up the ocean, play with the buffalo, and cook for all those who were resurrected - especially her father. Of course that makes sense, since one of her favorite sayings was, “It’s all about the food.”

Donna cherished any time she could spend with her family and loved ones. She was a trusted confidant, adviser, mother, and sister to countless grateful friends. She helped guide and direct many young ones through their personal trials and challenges. She would take them to the movies and hiking, teach them how to crochet and cook, and made her home feel open and welcoming. Hospitality was always at the top of her list. Although her compromised health caused her to slow down and at times endure much pain, she never complained and never wanted to burden anyone. Even when she was tired and weak, she never turned away a visitor. As she coped with the devastating effects of her treatments, she still made it a priority to worship with her spiritual brothers and sisters every Sunday. She knew this was the way to receive the support that God promised at Isaiah 41:13 where it says, “For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, The One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’”

Donna was truly one of the most self sacrificing humans a person could ever know. Her smile would always light up the room. Even more noticeable were her beautiful eyes. They were the eyes that Steve fell in love with and will forever shine and glow in his heart. They are the eyes that will soon open once again in Jehovah’s promised paradise. That’s when she will receive the reward for her life of integrity, and we will all enjoy that smile, those eyes, and her love and laughter for eternity.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 2 pm to 6 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY, 12533. A memorial talk will be given on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 4 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 383 All Angels Hill Rd., Hopewell Junction, NY 12533. The talk can also be viewed on Zoom:

Meeting ID - 902068920

Password - 383383