Donna A. (Kelly) Kelly-Bruso

Troy, New York:  Donna Kelly Bruso, 57, of Troy, New York died Monday evening, August 31, 2015 in her home surrounded by her loving family after a life long battle with Kidney Disease.  Donna was born May 25, 1958 in Troy, New York to wonderful, caring and supportive parents, Jim and Betty (Howard) Kelly.  Donna was a graduate of Sacred Heart School, Catholic Central High School and Russell Sage College.  After a long career with the New York State Police, Donna retired in 2012 due to illness.  Her last position was within the NYS Police Data Technology Center/NYSPIN.  

Donna will be remembered for many things, but most notably for her independent spirit, tenacity and strong will to survive any adversity thrown her way.  She was a passionate sports enthusiast, enjoying both football and basketball but her true love was the New York Yankees and anything involving baseball.  Donna was an avid sports memorabilia collector, housing most of her most prized possessions in her “Yankee Room”.  Furthermore, anyone who knew Donna, was well aware that she adored all her pets, especially her true and loyal companion, Honey. 

Donna is predeceased by her Mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Howard Kelly.  She is survived by her father, James Kelly Sr. of Troy, NY, her brother James Kelly Jr. and his wife Maureen of Niskayuna, NY, and her sister Karen Kelly of Forks Township, PA.  She is also survived by nephews Ryan Kelly and his fiancé, Kristina Lane of Philadelphia, PA and Brendan Kelly of Niskayuna, NY; a niece, Meaghan Kelly of Niskayuna, NY.; special cousin and caregiver Lori Millington Van Vranken of Troy, NY and dear friend and caregiver, Susan Bulmer of Albany, NY.  In addition, Donna is survived by her Uncle Frank and Aunt Carol Kelly of Glens Falls, NY and Aunt Dolores Howard of Marina, CA. 

Donna’s family would like to take this opportunity to express a special thank you to the anonymous kidney donor and his family, who in their time of despair and sorrow, was able to give the gift of life to Donna on July 7, 1999.  Without their selfless generosity, Donna would have endured many years of painful dialysis.  You and your family will always be remembered in our prayers.   Thanks also to Don and Annalise Pafundi (and Shaggy too) for being the best neighbors and friend to Donna.  In addition, special thanks to all of her caregivers from The Eddy - especially Karen Sousis, Paige Wilson and Jane Piazza; from Community Hospice of Rensselaer - Penny “Pennies from Heaven” Singley, Pam Smith-Wright, Pat Treacy and Dr. Leslie Danskin.  Your kindness and loving care was appreciated beyond words.  

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc.  276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 from 4-7 PM. 

Funeral service will be held Thursday at 10 AM at the funeral home and at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church in Troy where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. John Yanas, Pastor.

Interment will be in  St. Mary's Cemetery Troy.

If you wish to remember Donna in a special way, please contribute to The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County (CommunityHospice.org or 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144) or The Northeast Kidney Foundation (HealthyKidneys.org or 501 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205).  Also, in Donna’s honor, please consider organ donation, “The Gift of Life” (DonateLife.net). 

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