With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Donna J. Pairolero of Rochester, MN.
Here is what mattered, in the years between the dates.
The years gathered, as years do, into a life.
Donna Pairolero, of Rochester, MN, passed away on Friday, May 1st, 2026, at Saint Marys Hospital. Born on January 4, 1940, in Ironwood, MI, she was 86 years old.
As a registered nurse, Donna was devoted to caring for others, working in Public Health, and developing the Assisted Living department at Madonna Towers.
Above all, Donna devoted her life to her family and friends. She was a loving and amazing mother to her sons, Peter and Steve Pairolero, and daughter-in-law, Kelly. She was also a doting grandmother to nine: Cari, Scott, Christopher, Stephen, Nick, Jenna, Courtland, Tyson, and Saxton, and a proud great-grandmother to six: Beckham, Lola, Elinor, Olivia, Landon, and Bryson. Donna is also survived by her former husband and father of her children, Dr. Peter C. Pairolero, and her sister-in-law, whom she referred to as the sister she never had, Alice Beissel. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Marcella Beissel, and her brother, Daniel Beissel.
She enjoyed surrounding herself with life and happiness and loved animals, most notably her dog Angel and cat Kitsy-Boy. She enjoyed traveling with friends, ski trips, and cruises, and no one enjoyed reading as much as Donna did! Donna loved to dine, and she made the best home-cooked meals, preparing many of them until the very end.
Visitation will be 9:00 AM Saturday, May 9th, 2026, followed by a service at 10:00 AM, at the Madonna Towers Retirement Community, 4001 19 th Ave. NW, Rochester. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be dedicated in Donna's name to Madonna Towers in Rochester, MN. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com
At the family's request, Macken Funeral Home will publish your message on this website.
