Diane M. Donais, 72 years old, of Pleasant Prairie, WI passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Froedtert South Hospital, Pleasant Prairie, WI.
She was born February 2, 1949, in Kenosha, WI the daughter of the late Anthony L. and Patricia Anne (McAllister) Ritacca. She was a lifelong resident of Kenosha, attended Holy Rosary Grade School, and was a graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School, Kenosha, WI.
Diane’s passion for helping others lead her into her career as an Occupational Therapist. In 1971, she graduated from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, WI and soon began her long tenure in the rehabilitation department at Kenosha Memorial Hospital. During her nearly 50-year career, she also worked at Capelli & Shepler Clinic in Kenosha and Mercyhealth System in McHenry County, IL.
On July 29, 1972, Diane married Thomas Donais at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii Catholic Church, Kenosha. WI.
She was a founding member of St. Anne Catholic Church, Pleasant Prairie, WI, where she was member of the choir and a Faith Formation teacher for many years.
Diane enjoyed gardening, crafting, and hosting parties at her home. She was also a Girl Scout Troop leader, and participated in the color guard for the Kenosha Queensman Drum and Bugle Corps.
Survivors include her husband, Tom; siblings, Joanne “Jodi” (Greg) Ritacca-Carlini and Carol R. (Mark Cavaleri) Ritacca, both of Woodbury, MN, Joe (Cristina) Ritacca of Perth, Western Australia and Katie Doherty of Orcutt, CA; in-laws, Timothy (Lisa) Donais, Joe Donais, and Lisa (Greg) Winter; mother-in-law, Merlyn Donais; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; and Godchildren, Alie Cristine Cook, Sean Lewis, Joe Carlini, Christopher Sainski, Jeffrey Czajka, Lizz Cavaleri, Brian Hogan, and Emily Winter. She is also survived by her beloved dog Penny.
She was preceded in death by her father, Anthony L. “Tony” Ritacca, mother, Patricia Anne (McAllister) Ritacca, and her sister, Christine M. Lewis.
Services and interment will be private in All Saints Cemetery, Pleasant Prairie, WI. A memorial to celebrate her life will be planned for July. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Safe Harbor Humane Society at 7811 60th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142, in her memory.