"Donna is such a light and her spirit and love for teaching dance was always infectious.  She helped grow me into the arts professional I am today and her love and passion for dance taught gave me such an appreciation for the arts and my profession.  May the Lord enjoy your tap performances in Heaven Donna.  We shall dance together again!"

"Donna was not only my adviser and professor, but she was also my friend. She was always there, with a smile on her face, to ensure I was getting the help I needed to become the best teacher. I love her dearly and will miss her always. I was lucky enough to go on a trip with her to Washington DC and I will never take for granted the message of life she shared with me. Thank you Donna!"

"I am late to this celebration of Donna's life. She hired me to teach with her at Chapman in the dance department in the late 70's.  She believed in me, encouraged me, supported me through her lovely, giving spirit.  I don't think I ever heard an unkind word from her.  She lived her life with grace and love.  She was a beautiful dancer, person, spirit.  Thankfully our paths crossed."

"I danced for Donna almost thirty years ago. I was truly saddened to hear of her passing. I was always impressed with her beauty, energy, enthusiasm and character. She was an amazing person. We are richer having known her. Best wishes and love to all."

"SORRY FOR UR LOSS"

"Remembering all the things that made Donna so special...."

"Donna was my daughter, Alyssa's, dance teacher many years ago. She was always this beautiful, thoughtful, kind & serene person with a perpetual smile. She was so nice to be around. She never seemed to change, she was gorgeous inside and out. I pray for God's loving arms to wrap around Chuck & all of the girls to comfort them during this painful loss. God Bless you "

"What a beautiful ceremony of life!  I left Fish Interfaith Center inspired to make a difference with commitment, passion, and enthusiasm.  I loved the stories and vibrant details each person shared.  I especially enjoyed the meditation as it connected me with my grandma and Donna.  The gifts they gave me were gold for winning and flowers for loving."

"Chuck, Carrie & Christa Our prayers are with you at this time. Donna
was a great example and touched so many people in her life.
Love, Barbara & John"

"Carrie and Christa My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.  It looks like your mom enjoyed life to the fullest from the wonderful pictures you have posted.  I wish I would've had the pleasure of knowing her. Just know your mom will live on in your hearts and in your memories.  God Bless you and if you need anything, I'm just around the corner."

"Thanks to Donna, The only french dance student I was in Chapman was able to study dance abroad, and fulfill my dream to stay and live in California during my studies. I learnt discipline and so much from a beautiful woman, teacher, mother, wife and dancer. She now is my dance Angel in heaven, and I thank her deeply for these beautiful years. MERCI, en pensées avec sa famille.Ange Monnoyeur"

"May there be peace in knowing that Donna's heart and soul dance on in heaven. I hope she saves me a good place at the barre to warm up! She has taught me there is a lot to learn about life through dance. Thank you, Chuck and Girls for sharing her with us! She will be missed here, but we plan on seeing her in heaven. With blessings and aloha :)
"

"Christa is one of my best friends, she is a shining example of a good mother, smart woman and beautiful person.    Mrs. Cucunato was always a positive person and I have funny and cute memories of Christa in high school with her mom.   The few times that I spoke with Donna she was always so upbeat.  She was a beautiful and intelligent woman.   God Bless the Cucunato Family."

"I was one of Donna's students at Chapman. The life lessons I learned from her were invaluable during my dance career. Shortly before Donna went on hospice, she and I had a long & lovely chat on the phone. I had hoped it wouldn't be our last .... That special time we shared was a gift that will forever stay in my heart.  Grazie di cuore Donna, non mi dimenticherò mai di te!"

"I was college roomies with Carrie and Christa and always saw the love and joy they shared with their mom and dad.  Their mom was the voice of inspiration and compassion.  I remember conversations when they would ask for advice and Donna would listen and help without making the decision like a true teacher/mentor.   Donna raised beautiful and intelligent girls."

"Donna.....she will be forever etched in my mind....in my heart. We had 40 years of a treasured, enduring friendship. Her love for her family, her goodness, wisdom, creativity, energy, strength, and grace will alway radiate and provide me with a beacon...a guiding light to inspire and influence me the rest of my life."

"Thomas Campbell wrote, "To Live In the Hearts We Leave Behind Is Not To Die"  Donna touched so many hearts throughout her lifetime. I hope it can bring the family some comfort knowing a part of Donna lives on in so many of the lives she touched along the way. Donna's life reminds me that "one person, can make a difference", and Donna certainly made a difference to a great many lives."

"I am incredibly heartbroken over hearing the news of Donna's passing. I absolutely ADORED Donna & felt so blessed to call her "friend". I had such respect for her & the way she lived her life. Donna was the "yardstick" I used for measuring what I thought the ultimate Mom, Wife, Daughter & Person should strive to be.  Thank you Donna, for all you meant to our family. We will miss you dearly"

"Donna was truly a beautiful person, inside and out.  I feel blessed to have been her next door neighbor for the past 18 years.  She was a friend to us all.  Her creative gardening talents made our neighborhood look like a little paradise.  I will miss her smile, her words of wisdom, her baked goodies at Christmas, and most of all, her unconditional love for everyone she knew."

"Gracious and Grace-filled come to my mind and heart immediately.  Before and after we left the Orange church and community, Donna always came to mind when thinking of Chapman University and its ambassadors.  Whether visiting in her home or viewing a dance production, her commitment to young adults and their performances was always stirring, joy-filled and as memorable as she."

"Chuck, Carrie, Christa, Madi and Olivia,
It was with a heavy heart that I had to inform our church about Donna's passing in this life, yet I am confident that she is living her eternal life dancing for and with our Lord.  Donna's life stands as a shining example to all and I am blessed to have known and ministered with her. Peace and love to you all."

"Hi Carrie and Christa,

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.  You two light up any room with your smiles and joy, so I can only imagine your mom was greatly responsible for the love and warmth you show others.  May God comfort you and keep you close during this time and beyond."

"Donna was a force.  A creative, giving, loving person whose energy was legendary.  She was an exceptional lady who made all of our lives better and made us better people for our relationship with her.  Only those of us who were fortunate to know her can understand the depth and breath of this very special person.  If love could have saved her she would have lived forever."

"Intelligent, kind, elegant, wise—these are a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Donna Cucunato. She was an amazing person, and an excellent role model for the rest of us to follow.  I feel blessed to have known her and will cherish her memory forever."

"It always seemed to me that Carrie and Donna had the most special mother daughter relationship of anyone I knew.  When I became a mother I told Carrie I hoped for the same with my daughter.  Thank you Donna for being the most wonderful role model."

"As her daughter's college roommate, I will always remember the mutual respect and the close, close, loving relationship shared by mother and daughter and the whole Cucunato family.  She was both stunningly beautiful and a beautiful person.  When she was greeted by God in heaven, I think the first thing He no doubt said was, "well done my good and faithful servant".  With love & sympathy."

"Donna was a dedicated teacher who modeled for her students the generosity and caring so essential to teachers everywhere.I learned an incredible amount from Donna. She will be missed!"

"Donna was always generous with her time and knowledge.  She pushed me to be a better student and teacher.  She expected the best and pushed me to expect the same from myself and others.  I will miss her."

"Peace, light, and love...that is how Donna always signed her messages.  Her words always lifted my heart and reminded me of the unique, marvelous, spritual and mysterious nature of each of our personal journeys. I thank you Donna for that reminder.  You have touched my soul forever."

"Although I knew Donna for only a few years, she left an indelible impression on me. She helped me grow professionally and personally. I am comforted in knowing she lived a full and happy life."