Oxford High Special Ed Paraprofessional Dies at 46

A special education paraprofessional at Oxford High School died last week after a brief illness at age 46.

The school held a moment of silence for Donna Lyn Ragaini and on Tuesday, Oxford High Principal Frank Savo acknowledged the Ragaini's passing at the Board of Education meeting. 

The following is Ragaini's obituary from Miller-Ward Funeral Home in Seymour. 

Donna Lyn Ragaini, 46, of Seymour, beloved wife for 22 years  of William J. Ragaini, entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 10, 2011 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, after a short illness.

She was born in Derby on February 20, 1965, daughter of Arthur, Sr. and Delores Cavallaro Valentine of Seymour. Donna was a graduate of Waterbury Technical School with an Associate's Degree in Business. She was a devout communicant of Holy Rosary Church of Ansonia, where she was a teacher of religion.

Donna was a paraprofessional for the Special Education Departments of Oxford High School and Seymour High School. She was a former assistant manager at Filene's Department Store in Milford, and volunteered at the George J. Hummel Little League, and the Valley YMCA. She was past president of the Wildcats Swim Club of Seymour. Donna enjoyed the beach and camping. She will be missed by her family and many friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Donna leaves her cherished children, Seth J., Sara A., Anthony P. and Peter W. Ragaini; all of Seymour; a brother, Arthur Valentine, Jr. and his wife, Rozlyn, of Terryville; a sister, Tina Marie Valentine, of Derby; and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Donna's life, will be held FRIDAY, June 17, 2011(DIRECTLY) at 9 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, Father Salemi Drive, Ansonia. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

There will be no visitation. Miller-Ward Funeral Home, 260 Bank Street, (Route 67 across from Klarides Village), Seymour is caring for the family. Memorial gifts in Donna's memory may be made to Yale-New Haven Hospital Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. To leave online condolences, please visit www.millerwardfuneralhome.com