Horseshoe Grille server was an entrepreneur and a great golfer
NORTH READING — Donna Marie (Galante) Anderson, 80, died on October 26, 2023.
Born in Lynn on August 31, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Hazel (Berrett) Galante of Saugus. Donna was the loving wife of the late John (“Jack”) Anderson.
Donna was a hairdresser by trade, and an entrepreneur, having owned and operated a hair salon in Lynnfield for several years. She was a server at the Horseshoe Grille in North Reading for over 30 years and a hairdresser at the Bear Mountain Skilled Nursing Facility (formerly Wingate) in Reading for some years simultaneously to her waitressing job.
Donna could never sit still and worked up until her illness earlier this year.
Donna was a sports fanatic, with a particular affinity for hockey, football and golf. She was an avid and decorated golfer and traveled extensively to play. She had a million colorful stories about partying with Bruins players and playing in golf tournaments worldwide. She was an excellent golf instructor to many when she no longer played golf herself. She had countless friends and was a stranger to nobody. Everybody loved her.
Donna is survived by her son Dirk Anderson, daughter-in-law Erin Anderson and her one and only beloved grandson John (“Jack”) Anderson, all of Tewksbury; her dear brother Ralph Galante of Centennial, Colorado; her nephew Michael Galante and his wife Carole of Arlington, Texas; her nephew Mark Galante and his wife Karen of Henderson, N.J.; and her niece Lauren Furuta and her husband Glenn of Centennial, Colorado. She is also survived by several amazing great-nieces and great-nephews and many wonderful cousins.
Funeral arrangements will be private but a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Angel Flight NE at angelflightne.org/give as this organization was near and dear to Donna’s heart.
The family appreciates all the love and support during Donna’s illness and respectfully asks that you perform an act of kindness in loving memory of Donna.
Arrangements by Cota Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, North Reading. www.cotafuneralhomes.com.