Donnatella E. Franciosa Linder

Donnatella E. Franciosa Linder, 81, wife of Dr. Edward F. Linder, Jr. of Phoenixville, PA passed away peacefully on Friday, April 28, 2023 at home.

Born on August 3, 1941 in Sessano, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Esterina (DiIanni) Franciosa.  Donna was named after St. Donato’s Church in her hometown.  She lived in Italy until she was 13 years old.  At that time, Donna, her younger brother, and grandmother traveled to Norristown, PA to join her mother and father.   

After graduating from Bishop Kenrick High School, Donna joined the convent as a Medical Mission Sister.  Donna graduated from O’Connor Hospital School of Nursing in San Jose, California in 1967. She then completed a midwifery program during the four years she spent on staff at the Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.  After leaving the convent and returning to the United States in the 1970’s, Donna was employed at Booth Maternity Hospital in Philadelphia.  In 1986, she joined Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania and completed her master’s degree program at Penn State University.  In 1994, Donna was named Clinician of the Year by Family Planning Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania.  She then spent many years as a Nurse Practitioner (CNM, CRNP, MEd) at Valley Forge Women’s Health in Phoenixville from where she retired in 2002.   

Donna has been described as someone who is “etched in your memory”.  She exuded warmth, kindness, wisdom, honesty, and a loveable innocence.  She loved to learn and was curious about people, cultures, religions, and the world around her.  Her generosity came in an abundance.  To know Donna was to love her.  She had a kind word for all and was quick with a laugh.  Donna was frequently heard saying, “be good to each other”.  She was certainly good, kind, and compassionate to all.  Donna’s yearbook quote from O’Connor Hospital School of Nursing was “it is only the souls that do not love that go empty into the world.”  Her soul was full as she loved all whom she encountered.  She was passionate about her career and treasured helping women and babies.  Donna was known to have a lead foot, particularly if she was on her way to a delivery.  Throughout her life she was dedicated to her religion and was a longtime member of St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, where she enjoyed serving as a lector and supporting the church in many other ways.

She was preceded in death by her brother, CSM John Luciano Franciosa (US Army).

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her nephews, Mark Franciosa (Sharon), Dr. Stefan Franciosa (Tracey), and Jon Franciosa (Pamela), who lovingly knew her as Zia.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Charlotte Franciosa, great-nephews Seth, Ajay, and Gavin, great-nieces Harlow, Goldie, and Bijou, several cousins, and many friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass in St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, 2330 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA on Thursday, May 4^th, 2023 at 10:45 a.m.

Burial will follow in George Washington Memorial Park, 80 Stenton Ave, Plymouth Meeting PA 19462.

A visitation will be held in church on Thursday from 9:45 until 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Medical Mission Sisters in Donna’s memory.  Please note donation is in memory of Donna Franciosa-Linder.

Medical Mission Sisters, 8400 Pine Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111 or visit https://www.medicalmissionsisters.org/how-to-help/donate.html.