Donna Ellen (Hadley) Cuscito went home to Jesus September 1, 2025. She was 82 years old. She was a daughter - to Donald and Sara Hadley, a big sister - to Donald Hadley Jr. and Mary Rhodes, a wife - to Thomas Cuscito Sr., a mother - to Thomas Cuscito Jr. and Lisa Kelly (Robert), a second mother - to Diana Rascon and a grandma, "Mema" - to Amanda (Dominic) Cuscito and Andrew Cuscito. She was also an aunt to many nieces and nephews and cared for several children she loved like her own while looking after Andrew when he was a child.

Donna was born November 30, 1942 and grew up in El Cajon, CA. After graduating from El Cajon Valley High School, where she was active in several clubs and was a majorette in the Pom Pom Corp, she gained her beautician license from La Mesa Beauty School. Her mom was a beautician and she recounted fond memories of her mother having ladies (who were sitting in the beauty saloon chairs) sew by hand thousands of sequins on majorette outfits.

Her true profession over the next 63 years would have to be Homemaker. Although she did work several different jobs over the years...at the Payroll Department, Consolidated Club and PX at Ft Derrick in Frederick MD, at a cannery in Gilroy, CA and as a "lunch lady" at her grandson's middle school in Tinton Falls. NJ. She was very engaged at several churches she would call home over the years, volunteering in the children's ministry in Tinton Falls, NJ and her last church home, First Baptist Lexington in SC, where she also led the monthly seniors dinner for a couple years and then helped with Wednesday night suppers for as long as she was physically able.

Her most valued role, however, was as wife and mother. She married Tom after dating for just four months and the Army would take them to several states and overseas to Germany. After Tom retired from the Army, they would move a few more times, finally settling in Lexington, SC for true retirement. November 10th would have marked 64 years of marriage. She was a fantastic cook, a loyal friend, a great listener and always laughing and smiling (and making others do the same). She never missed a chance to help someone, pray with someone or give her advice. She was strong and walked through life’s challenges with grace. She loved life, lived loudly, and never met a stranger. She loved the ocean and working in her garden, transforming each of her yards into something beautiful and special. If she was sitting still, she was crocheting something. She adored animals and over the years had many cats, dogs, birds, fish, chickens and even several peacocks.

Donna had an impact on many people throughout her long, well-lived life. She is already greatly missed and leaves behind a big void. Your laughter will echo through our lives as we cherish so many memories. You are forever in our hearts, until we meet again. We miss you, Donna. We love you forever, Mama.

It is well with my soul.

“May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22

A celebration of life for Donna will be held Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Lexington, 415 Barr Rd, Lexington, SC 29072