Donna Marie (Merrill) Pica

Donna Marie (Merrill) Pica, 65, of Pittsboro died on September 18, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Robert Merrill and Mary (Fennell) Merrill. Donna was one of three daughters to Robert and Mary, and they grew up in Yonkers, New York. She is survived by her husband Louis “Lou” J. Pica, her two daughters, Amie Pica, Nicole McNeill and her son, Louis “Lou” Pica. Grandchildren; Lucas and Alana McNeill and Izabella Pica.  Two sisters, Barbara Blair and Janet Bochnik. 

Donna worked as a switchboard operator and that is where she met her best friend, Gemma. Gemma introduced Donna to her son Lou Pica, the two soon fell in love and they have been happily married for 43 years. Donna raised her three children in New York until their big move to North Carolina and then they settled the family in the little town of Pittsboro. Later, Donna pursued her lifelong dream to become a nurse, she went back to school and earned her LPN license around 1997.

She loved taking care of people and being someone that could be a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. Her true passion was being a grandma and helping take care of her grandbabies. Donna spent her retirement days teaching her grandkids to ride bikes, swim, tie their shoes, how to write and read books.  She treasured her nap times, singing, and dance parties with her family. Donna loved her nighttime chats, watching movies and numerous daily phone calls from her daughters. In the last months of her life, she cherished the time that she was able to spend with Lou, the love of her life. Donna always made an impression on everyone she met with her wittiness and loving smile. She will always be remembered for teaching her kids to be strong, nurturing, loving, and patient adults.  

A  prayer service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 23, 2023 and the family will be receiving friends from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at Donaldson Funeral Home, 396 West Street, Pittsboro, NC.  Memorial tributes and messages for the family can be left at www.Dnaldsonfunerals.com. Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Pica family.