Obituary: Donna (Morse) Ducas

September 4, 1960 - July 6, 2021 

July 14, 2021

Donna (Morse) Ducas

Donna (Morse) Ducas, 60, of Waterbury Center, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2021, surrounded by her family at UVM Medical Center. She was born in Montpelier, Vt., on September 4, 1960, the daughter of the late Roland and Betty (Gavin) Morse. 

She met and married Philippe R. Ducas, in August 1978 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Phil was in the U.S. Navy, and they lived in both Virginia and Connecticut before finally returning home to Vermont. Donna worked for the State of Vermont until she was forced to retire early due to her serious illness. 

Donna’s love was her family and her kitties. Before she was unable to do so, she loved knitting and crocheting. Donna had such strength and courage and met the many challenges of her illness with bravery. Phil took great care of Donna, performing medical care that the average person would be unable to. She was his “Sweet Thing” and her sister’s “Little Bud.” 

Donna is survived by her husband, Phil, of Waterbury Center; her son, William Erno, of Waterbury—who she loved with all her heart—and his wife, Amica; her sisters, Linda Emery, Beverly Young and husband Alan, Marsha Dudley and husband Steve, and Jane Marshall and husband Fred; and her many beloved nieces, nephews, and their extended families. 

Donna was able to be home because of her husband, her caring team of medical and hospice people, the ambulance crews of Waterbury and the Garnet ambulance who transported her to dialysis in Burlington three times weekly, and her special nurse, Tara. The medical staff at the UVM Medical Center had such compassion for Donna, as she seemed to be a frequent “guest.” There are so many caring people that were like angels to Donna and Phil. The family would like to thank them all for such genuine care and compassion. 

A private celebration of life will be held from Maple Street Cemetery in Waterbury Center. The family suggests two organizations to support in lieu of flowers: the Vermont Center of Independent Living, 11 East State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602; also online at vcil.org/contribute/. Or the Greater New England Chapter of the MS Society, 101A First Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451; also online at nationalmssociety.org. 

To send online condolences, please visit perkinsparker.com.