Obituary: Donna Perry Honan
Enfield Resident Donna Perry Honan Dies at 83
Enfield, Conn. – Donna Perry Honan, an 83‑year‑old lifelong resident of Enfield, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, after a brief illness. The former Eli Lilly sales‑and‑distribution center executive was born in Portland, Maine, on Aug. 31, 1943, and moved to Enfield in the 1970s, where she lived for 51 years.
Honan was married to her husband, Richard “Dick” Honan, for 61 years. Together they raised three children: Christopher, who lives in Boston; Stephen, who resides in Avon, Connecticut, with his wife Kate; and a son who died in infancy, Gregory. She is survived by her brothers, including Robert Perry of Orlando, Florida, and two grandchildren, Liam and Drew.
After graduating from Westbrook High School in 1961, Honan began her career with The Sebago Company. Following her marriage in December 1965, she lived in Texas and Georgia before the family returned to Connecticut, where her sons were born. In 1975, the Honans bought their home in Enfield and, three years later, Donna returned to work at Eli Lilly’s sales and distribution center in the town. Over a 25‑year tenure, she rose to the position of Executive Administrative Assistant before retiring in 2003.
A devoted member of St. Bernard Church, Honan served as the parochial school’s Parent‑Teacher Organization chair and volunteered extensively, from the annual lawn party to senior lunch coordination. She also acted as Head Usher and Greeter, roles that earned her many lifelong friends within the parish.
Known for her constant smile, quick wit, and welcoming spirit, Honan was an avid Wordle and Words With Friends player and enjoyed spending time on the golf course with her husband and friends. She was a die‑hard fan of the UConn Huskies and the New England Patriots, never missing a game. Her love of travel was matched only by her affection for Maine, where she relished visits to Sebago Lake, Portland, Casco Bay, and the state’s lighthouses. She also favored the Amato Italian sandwich, famously “no onions.”
Honan was recognized for her compassion and advocacy for marginalized communities, including being an ally of the LGBTQ community. She will be remembered for her warmth, humor, generosity, and the many friendships she cultivated over a lifetime.
The Honan family expressed deep gratitude to “Shirley, Zoe, and Faye” for their support and care. They also honored their dear friend Sue “Crash” Cotter, whose companionship meant much to Donna.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Leete‑Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield. A Christian burial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1 at St. Bernard Church, followed by a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Calvery Cemetery in South Portland.
Family members invite friends and neighbors to share their condolences online at the Leete‑Stevens website. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna Honan’s name may be made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association at the email address provided in the original notice.
