Hudson – Donna M. (Breingan) Grote, 52, passed away at home Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, surrounded by her loving children, after battling ovarian cancer. She was the beloved wife of the late Steven Grote, who passed away in 2008.
She is survived by her children, Leah, Nick, and Chrissy Grote of Hudson. She also leaves her parents, Dan and Lois Breingan, as well as her siblings, Dan Breingan, Lois and Tony Salerni, Bob and Pam Breingan, and Joan and Frank Collins; her in-laws, Bob and Dorothy Grote; her sister-in-law, Cindy Grote and her partner, Karen Malatesta; and eight nieces and nephews.
Born in Boston, she grew up in Marlborough and later moved to Hudson. After graduating in 1977 from Marlborough High School, she began working as a dental assistant. While working, she attended Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, where she earned her Associate's degree in Dental Hygiene, graduating in 1984.
Mrs. Grote worked at a few dental offices in the area, but soon found her home at Dr. Dennis Ahern's dental office in Marlborough, currently Dental Associates of Marlborough. She worked in the office for 27 years, and was loved by all her patients and colleagues.
She was an avid supporter of her children's many sports and activities. She was often seen jogging or walking in Hudson and always had a smile on her face. She cherished the times spent with family down the Cape, in Wells, Maine, and on Diamond Island on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, Oct. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m., at John P. Rowe Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Marlborough. The funeral will be held Saturday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m., at St. Mathias Church, 409 Hemenway St., Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Melanoma Education Foundation, P.O. Box 2023, Peabody, MA 01960 or the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition-MA Chapter, 347 Mass Ave., Suite 3, Arlington, MA 02474.
