Donna E. Bazilio-Forde

Donna Elizabeth Bazilio-Forde was one of those rare and extraordinary people who left an imprint on the life of every person she encountered. She carried herself with a quiet confidence and timeless class that made her beautiful presence known the moment she entered a room. To her husband, she was a devoted partner, steadfast in love and unwavering in support. To her children, she was a guiding light whose love and wisdom shaped the people they became. To her grandchildren, she was the doting grandmother who spoiled them. To her sisters, she was a source of strength and encouragement. While we mourn Donna’s absence, we are fortunate to have known, loved, and been loved by her.

Donna was born on February 9, 1948, in Georgetown, Guyana, to Alan and Ismay Bazilio. As the eldest of five daughters, she naturally embraced a nurturing and protective role that would define her. She was also an avid learner and teacher—not only in title or profession—but in spirit, holding everyone to the highest standards of decency and decorum. She graduated from St. Rose’s High School in Georgetown, Guyana, renowned for academic excellence, and she later began her teaching career at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic School.

On February 2, 1969, Donna immigrated to the United States where she built a remarkable life. She furthered her education at Queensborough Community College and achieved tremendous success as a Regional Director for Coppercraft Guild and Lead Sales Manager for Princess House, breaking sales records and inspiring countless others under her leadership. She traveled extensively across the United States and abroad, embracing new experiences while always encouraging family and friends to do the same. Donna continued her commitment to service and leadership after she retired, serving on the Board of the Sparklers Baton Twirling Organization.

Donna also took immense pride in her family. On August 6, 1977, Donna married her beloved teenage sweetheart, Allan Marcellous Forde, at Saints Joachim and Anne Roman Catholic Church. Together they built a beautiful life with their three daughters in a home filled with warmth, laughter, tradition, and unconditional love. Donna found her greatest joy in watching her children and grandchildren flourish.

On May 29, 2026, Donna peacefully entered eternal rest and was reunited with the only love of her life, Allan, who had been waiting for her for twenty years. One can only imagine the elation of that reunion. She also joins her beloved baby son, Justin; parents, Alan and Ismay; mother-in-law Lucille; father-in-law Walter; sisters, Allyson and Jewel; nephew, Andre; brothers-in-law Alwyn and Dennis; and other loved ones. Donna’s legacy of love, resilience, and grace lives on in her devoted daughters, Allana, Alyssa, and Ashlyn (Martin); her beloved grandchildren, Anthony, Layla, and Luca; sisters, Gale (Victor) and Joanne (Tyrone); sisters-in-law, Desiree and Beverly (Paul); brothers-in-law, Serge, Eion (Rosie), Lyndon (Jennifer), and Wayne; nieces and nephews, Raymond (Sabrina), Rochelle, Gabriella, Matthew, Anjelica, Bianca (Joseph), Renee (Vic), Natalie (Jack), Ravin, Christopher, Simone (Lyonel), Brianna (Kevin), Anthony, Khalil, Sienna, Rayhan, Steven, and Sabrina; and several other close family members and friends who will forever treasure her memory.

May we honor her not only by remembering her, but by carrying forward the compassion, strength, and grace that she embodied.