Donna Billard-Gabriel

Donna Billard-Gabriel will be remembered for her incredible wit and sense of humor, her giving nature, her love for her children, her grandchildren, and all children and for how she loved the Lord deeply. Her love for children was profound which sparked her desire to have a large family of her own. It also led to a career as a Social and Emotional Behavioral teacher for special needs children; where she worked in various communities. She obtained her Master’s Degree from Our Lady of the Elms. She was an Agawam Lion and a devoted member of Bethany Assembly of God in Agawam. Donna was a biker chic at heart. She was a member of the Kingdom Warriors, the Red Knights MA12, had appreciation for the Patriot Guard Riders, the American Legion Riders, and the CMA Riders. She had an incredible spirit to fight. She was a breast cancer survivor and battled Leukemia for the past two years. She was a warrior who tried new treatments, pushed forward and kept a positive outlook until her final days. Born in Waltham, MA she was the daughter to the late Hartley and Joyce (Murray) Billard. Donna sadly passed away on Monday, October 7, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. Donna leaves her seven children to cherish her memory: Shawn Larson and his wife Jen of Sandwich MA, Heather Watson and her husband Dan of Virginia, Andrea Salerno and her husband Adam of Virginia, Tiffany Ramos of Agawam, Ashley Pedoty and her husband Chris of Vermont, Jacquelyn Gabriel of Agawam, and Kristine Gabriel of Springfield; her adored grandchildren: Brianna, Audrey, Brayden, Makenna, Olivia, Roan, Jack, Cali, Vera and Tucker; her brother Wayne Billard of Vermont, and her long-time companion and devoted friend Frank Pignatare. Besides her parents, Donna was predeceased by her former in-laws: George and Constance Gabriel and their son Jay Gabriel. A celebration of Donna’s life will begin with visiting hours on Friday, October 11, 2019 from 4:00-8:00pm at Colonial Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, 985 Main Street, Agawam. Her tribute will continue on Saturday, October 12th beginning at 11:30AM from the funeral home and traveling in procession to Bethany Assembly of God, 580 Main Street, Agawam for a service at 12:30PM service. Burial will be private for the family. To honor Donna’s commitment to the Lord, helping others and especially children, donations may be made in her memory to Royal Family Kids Camp #039, PO Box 422, Agawam MA 01001. For more information or to leave a message for the family please visit www.forastiere.com.