Donna Dalton, 68 years old, peacefully went home to her loving God at the McClure Miller Respite House (Colchester, VT) in the company of her family following a long illness on July 20, 2020. Donna was born on September 29, 1951, in Syracuse, NY, to Donald Dalton and Carmella Granteed Dalton. She was raised in Camillus, NY, graduating from West Genesee Sr. High School. She received a B.A. in psychology (summa cum laude), MA, and PhD in developmental psychology from the Pennsylvania State University. She taught at Cleveland State University and at Castleton University prior to serving at Trinity College of Vermont as professor, department chair, graduate dean and vice president for academic affairs. She also was a member of Trinity’s executive team, which had the sad duty of closing the college. Donna’s contribution to this process was immeasurable. Donna then served as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Gannon University in Erie, PA, and as the chief academic officer at Lyndon State College. In recent years, she served as a member of the board of directors of the conference for Mercy Higher Education. Donna was a vibrant member of her parish, serving as lector, Eucharistic minister, finance committee chair and parish council member. She served as board member and chair of retired and senior volunteer program and of Mercy Connections and on the long-term care committee for the Sisters of Mercy in Vermont. She had a special affection for and dedication to the Sisters of Mercy. Their mission to serve the poor, uneducated and women was important to Donna. Recently, she became a Mercy associate.
Donna was predeceased by her father, Donald Dalton. She is survived by her mother, Carmella Dalton; her beloved husband, Clinton Charron; children Lauren Hanson (Caleb) of Louisville, CO, Erica Hummel of Huntington Beach, CA, Paul Charron of Underhill, Nicole Charron Mapa of W. Barnstable, MA, and Jason Charron (DeAnn) of Essex Junction; grandchildren Avery Charron, Thomas Hanson and Elyse Hanson; sister Jacqueline Dalton-Switzer (James); nephews Brandon and Ryan Switzer; and a large number of cousins, other family members and friends around the United States.
Donna will be remembered for her love of skiing, especially in Vail, where she and Clint skied over 100 days a year after her retirement, for her love of all things Italian and travel to Italy, especially the Amalfi coast, and for her great love of family and friends, including the grandmamafia in Waitsfield, sailing with Clint on Lake Champlain, her golden retrievers, and her love of good coffee and Italian red wine. She lived her life to the end with faith, grace, laughter and much love.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be scheduled later. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, Attn: Local Coordinator, 356 Mountain View Drive, Suite 101, Colchester, VT 05446, in support of their ministerial works. Arrangements are in the care of Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com or the funeral home Facebook page.
