Tona Dee Donlon

Tona D. Donlon, 62, of Milford, CT, beloved wife of the late Peter J. Donlon, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at home surrounded by family and friends. Born on September 1, 1955 in Carbondale, IL, she was the daughter of Dr. Edsel T. and Alma Ruth Bucovaz, both surviving.

Tona grew up in Memphis, TN, and moved several times before settling in Hartford, CT, in the late 1970’s. She graduated from Overton High School in Memphis, TN, in 1972 at the age of sixteen. She went on to attend classes at the University of Tennessee in 1972-73 and Memphis State University in 1974-75. She began her midwifery apprenticeship in Hamden, CT, in 1988. Tona became a Certified Professional Midwife in 1991, owning her own practice, Matrix Midwifery, and was present at the births of over 800 babies during her 9 year career. She worked for Yale University for 16 years in various positions as a Research Assistant, in addition to being an Instructor for Princeton Review for 13 years. Tona loved dressing up for Halloween, riding roller coasters, indulging in French cuisine, going to concerts, traveling the world, going to movies and plays, telling stories, and doing math puzzles. She gave as much as she was able to countless charities and organizations and was a strong supporter of social justice work. Her greatest accomplishments were the special and deeply loving relationships she developed with her daughters and grandsons. Tona was a mother-figure to many and was able to nurture and inspire those she encountered. She always met people “where they were” and always encouraged people to be their authentic selves.

Tona is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Kerry Donlon, Shannon and Bryan Chaiklin; grandsons, Peter and Michael Chaiklin; brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew Joseph, Rita, Mindy, and David Bucovaz; brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and niece Kevin and Joan Donlon and Brianne Dane.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 10am at The Unitarian Society of New Haven, 700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden, CT 06517. Friends and family may call from 3pm-6pm on Saturday, March 24th 2018, at Cody-White Funeral Home 107 Broad Street Milford, CT 06460.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to La Leche League of Connecticut by visiting PayPal.me/LLLCT or checks may be sent to La Leche League of Connecticut ℅ 275 Hill Road Harwinton, CT 06791.

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