Obituary of Donna Marie Beach-Matiukas

Donna Marie Beach-Matiukas(nee Bukowski) Donna was born on June 26, 1955 in Buffalo, NY and passed on February 28, 2021 at the age of 65 in her home in Rochester, NY with her family present. Beloved wife of Peter A. Matiukas; proud mother of Blake (Lindsey) Landry (Boston, MA); sister of Patricia (Michael) Gontarek (Rochester, NY), Cynthia (Gary) Schlabach (Alden, NY), Delphine (Gregg) Mazurczak (Buffalo, NY), Rosanne Wojtaszek (Tampa, FL) and Richard J. (late Julie) Bukowski Jr. (Depew, NY). Predeceased by parents Richard (Florence) Bukowski (Cheektowaga, NY), Donna was a devoted Godmother to Amy Averill and Eric Fenske, a niece of Eleanor (late Walter) Stelmaszek, Bernadette (late John) Modrzynski, Sister Mary Thomas Frys CSSF, late Thomas (Diane) Frys, and James (Barbara) Frys. She is survived by many other nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and many cousins. Donna was the second oldest of six siblings in the Bukowski family. After attending St. Andrews grammar school, she graduated JFK high school having studied cosmetology at Potter Road BOCES in 1974. After establishing her career at Regis hair salon, Donna embarked on an independent career by establishing a self-owned hair salon, Elite Design. Her artistic creativity and magnetic personality allowed her salon to flourish for over 25 years. In 2007, Donna changed careers and became an executive assistant at the University of Rochester’s Information Systems Department where she applied her gifts to shine as a key member of the eRecord team which was awarded the prestigious Meliora Award. Her positive and personable attitude, boundless energy, professionalism, operational excellence, and comaraderie is missed by all her former co-workers. Donna had an indomitable spirit, a compassionate heart, a vibrant attitude, strong values, and a sense of commitment and determination with which she approached every aspect of her life. Even during her six-year struggle with a debilitating disease, she maintained her focus on caring about others, especially her family. As a mother, Blake became the shining focus in her life. She supported every one of his endeavors whole-heartedly, involving herself in activities to support Blake’s every interest. No amount of time was too much, no amount of effort was too difficult, and no distance was too far to go to fulfill her loving commitment to her son. Donna’s charismatic spirit transformed every place she lived from a neighborhood to a community. She left a wake of love, goodwill and smiles during her journey through life, and she will be missed by her family and all the countless friends she leaves behind. Donna loved all animals, especially dogs, and also leaves behind her devoted rescue dog, Timmy. A memorial Mass will be held in Rochester at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Dog Rescue at the following website: https://niagaradogrescue.com/donate/