Donna L. Hollmer (nee Cortelli)
March 16, 1945 – January 26, 2025
Beloved wife of Donald Hollmer; loving mother of Maria (Michael) Canosa, Michele Ralabate, Monica (Axel Stepan) Ralabate and Jaimie (Benjamin) Selke; daughter of the late Frank and Josephine Cortelli; sister of the late Frank Cortelli; cherished nana of Joseph, Michael, Charlotte and Joshua; also survived by many cousins. A Visitation will be held Friday 4-7:30PM at MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., E. Amherst 14051. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home at https://brothersofmercy.org/donate-now/#donation-form. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com
Donna was a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, and extraordinary dance teacher who touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Born with an unshakable passion for life, Donna was known for her warmth, her feisty Italian spirit, and her unwavering love for her family and friends. Whether she was teaching a class, sharing laughter with loved ones, or simply enjoying a moment of joy, Donna made a profound impact on everyone she met.
Donna’s life was rooted in the rhythms of dance. She discovered early on that movement was not just a passion but a language—a way to connect with people and express herself. As a dance teacher, she shared this gift with countless students, helping them not only to master the art of dance but to discover their own confidence and self-expression. Donna’s dedication to her craft went far beyond technique; she taught her students the importance of discipline, perseverance, and the joy that comes from moving with purpose and heart.
But it wasn’t just Donna’s dancing that left an impression—it was the way she lived her life. A proud Italian woman, she carried the warmth and fierceness of her heritage in everything she did. Her zest for life was contagious. Whether in the kitchen, at family gatherings, or simply sharing a good laugh, Donna’s presence was magnetic. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved, offering a safe space for her family and friends to be themselves and always showing up with open arms and an open heart.
Above all, Donna was a woman of deep devotion. She cherished her family—her children, her grandchildren, and her beloved husband—and her love for them was unwavering. She was a mother who offered guidance and encouragement, a grandmother whose hugs were the softest and warmest, and a wife whose bond with her partner was the cornerstone of her life.
Her many cousins and friends held a special place in her heart as well. With an extended family that was as close-knit as her own, Donna’s circle was full of love, laughter, and memories that will continue to resonate for generations to come. She valued these connections and worked hard to maintain them, often being the glue that held everyone together.
Donna leaves behind a legacy of love, dance, and joyful living. Her feisty, vivacious spirit will never be forgotten, and her influence will continue to shape the lives of those who were lucky enough to know her. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, husband, and a wide circle of family and friends who will carry her memory with them forever.