Shelter Island Reporter obituary: Donna Anderson

It is with great sadness that the family shares the passing of our beloved sister, Donna Anderson, on Aug. 3, 2026. 

Donna was born on September 23, 1963, to Marjorie Sanwald of Shelter Island and Ronald Anderson Sr. of White Plains, N.Y. She spent her early childhood in upstate New York before moving to Shelter Island in 1973 at the age of 10. Shelter Island became her home and remained an important part of her life for more than five decades.

Donna attended Shelter Island School, where she formed many lifelong friendships. She was always a hard worker and spent much of her life working within the Shelter Island community. She was a longtime employee of Piccozzi’s Service Station and later became the operator of the D&B Convenience and Gas Station, where she became a familiar face to so many Islanders.

More recently, Donna worked as an overnight patient sitter at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead. Her caring and attentive nature made her well suited for the role. During a medical crisis, Donna’s quick thinking and willingness to act helped save a patient’s life, something her family was incredibly proud of.

Donna was a cherished aunt to her many nieces and nephews and loved the opportunity to shower them with love and affection. Family meant so much to her, and her presence brought joy and comfort to those around her.

Donna also had a special love for animals, and her pets meant the world to her. She loved spending time at the beach, collecting sea glass, shells and other little treasures she would find along the shore. She often turned those treasures into jewelry, a reflection of her creative spirit and her appreciation for the simple things that brought her happiness.

Those who knew Donna will remember her for her caring nature, her curiosity, her love for her family and animals, and the many friendships she made throughout her life. She was part of the Shelter Island community for most of her life, and she will be deeply missed by the people who knew and loved her.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie Sanwald and Ronald Anderson Sr., and her sister, Karen J. Anderson.

Donna is survived by her stepmother, Shirley Anderson, and her siblings, Ronald E. Anderson Jr. of Shelter Island, Debbie Sulahian, Jay Card lll of Shelter Island, Brenda Card of Tennessee, Jen Venth of South Carolina, Veronica McClenon of Poughkeepsie, Charlotte Good of Ulster County, and Vernon Bordeaux of Newburgh, as well as her many beloved nieces and nephews.

While we are heartbroken to say goodbye, we are grateful for the years we shared with Donna and for all of the memories she leaves behind. Her love, her kindness and the many small moments that made her who she was will remain with us.

Donna will be deeply missed by her family, friends and the Shelter Island community, and she will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Wades Beach from 4 to 7 p.m.