Dona A. Pickener

September 9, 1942 - August 15, 2021

Dona A. (Chaffee) Pickener, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 15, 2021. Born in Springfield on September 9, 1942, daughter of the late Donald and Isabella (Black) Chaffee, she was also known as “Speedbump”. Dona lived a full life, spending many years living in Gulfport, FL, where she made loving lifelong friends before returning to Chicopee after retirement, joining her beloved family and friends locally. There aren’t enough words to express all the wonderful things about Dona. She was beautiful inside and out, intelligent, kind, helpful and giving. She was always quick with her wit, quick to laugh, and the brightest light of the party. Dona would want all of you to know she loved you very much and was grateful to be a part of each and every one of your lives. She will be greatly missed by many. Dona was predeceased by her husband, James Pickener; her son, Wayne Showe; and her brother, Andrew Chaffee and wife Sam. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Sandra (Showe) Joslyn and husband Glenn; loving brother, Bill Chaffee and wife Karen; cherished grandsons Zachary and Seth Joslyn, and cherished granddaughter Sara Crawford; nieces, Sara, Heather, Alex, and Tiffany Chaffee and partner Kurt Ybarra, nephew, Kevin Chaffee and wife Angie; and her great-nieces, Audrey and Lily. Remember Me: Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles. I’ve only gone to rest a little while. Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be. Because, I will remember you all, and look on with a smile. Understand in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.