Donna M. Centrella

Donna M. Centrella, née Allen, 79, embarked on her final day in our physical presence on February 17th, 2026, leaving behind a life of laughter and kindness. She was fiercely loyal to everyone she loved (sometimes too loyal as she was a master of holding a fairly merciful grudge longer than most) – As an accountant for most of her working endeavors there wasn’t an account she didn’t take pride in balancing – a self-satisfying obsession she did not pass onto her children. Donna excelled as the Office Manager for the Merrimack YMCA, though possibly her favorite work environment was her last before retiring – at a discount clothing store JL Plum, where one could think she spent more money than she made… she insisted that not to be the case – as her purchases were all bargains! Donna grew up in Somerville MA – on Park Avenue in a lovely well-appointed home of her Grandmother (who she shared a boisterous relationship with – providing stories she would recount often) her Mother (the late Jean Allen – who Donna loved dearly and also owned a similarly sweet but cutting sense of humor) and older sister Nancy (Newton) – whose once competitive sisterhood evolved into a long lasting bond, speaking to each other several times a week for most of their lives and later visiting till Nancy’s passing last year. She met her loving husband Anthony (Tony) Centrella at a college mixer and married a few short years later – sharing their lives for nearly 60 years more. They (and their many pets) lived in many places/states through the years making friends along the way and memories of vacations, camping trips and whatever else we were all up to. Merrimack NH is where they settled the longest and where most of her immediate family still lives – including her son Aaron Centrella and “pride and joy” grandchildren Mia Rose and Aiden Centrella. She also leaves behind a daughter Jenniece Centrella in nearby Lowell MA. Donna was a great (and always willing) listener; she was kind, funny, trustworthy and will be greatly missed and remembered by all who loved her. Celebration of life will be held on June 26th 2026 at the John O’Leary Adult Community Center, 4 Church Street, Merrimack NH 03054 – 4:30 to 8pm.