Donna Mary Parisi Etkin, 69, passed away on January 29, 2026, in Anguilla, a place she loved deeply and where she was living the life she had long dreamed of. Born on September 19, 1956, in Schenectady, New York, she was the cherished daughter of the late Dominic A. Parisi and Alberta B. Santelli.

Donna graduated from Linton High School in 1974 before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1979. Demonstrating her lifelong commitment to growth and learning, she later returned to SUNY Plattsburgh to complete her Master’s degree in Health Policy and Management in 1997.

Influenced by Saratoga’s rich heritage and vibrant downtown culture, Donna’s entrepreneurial spirit came to life in the early 1980s with the opening of Outlaws Western Wear. With her keen eye for style and bold vision, she helped create a distinctive retail experience that quickly became part of the community. Never content to stop there, Donna later opened His Closet, curating contemporary men’s fashion sourced from New York City’s buyers’ market. She continued her career in fashion for many years as a manager at Ann Taylor, where her leadership and unmistakable sense of style made her a natural fit. Her creativity, confidence, and instinct for what was next left a lasting imprint on Saratoga’s retail landscape.

Donna was a dedicated public health professional with the New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute. Over the course of her twenty-year career, she rose through the ranks to become Senior Project Manager in the Office of Program Evaluation and Research. One of the highlights of her career was serving as the lead evaluator for the Targeted PrEP Implementation Program, guiding the project team to receive the Health Commissioner’s Team Recognition Award in 2015. She later published the multi component evaluation as lead author in a peer reviewed journal in 2017, the same year she retired. Donna was a cherished colleague, a respected mentor, and a trusted friend to many at the AIDS Institute.

Donna met the love of her life, Richard, in what she often described as divine intervention in September 2015. They were married on September 17, 2017, and from that day forward created a life filled with love, adventure, and intention. They spent their summers in Saratoga, traveled throughout Europe each fall, and made their winter home in Anguilla, living the dream she had long envisioned. Together they enjoyed golf, dining out, movies at home, and gathering family and friends around their table. Hosting Thanksgiving, her favorite holiday, brought her particular joy, as she delighted in creating a beautiful and memorable celebration for those she loved.

Donna had a presence that filled every room she entered. She was vibrant, fashionable, and full of pure joy. Strong willed yet endlessly generous, she loved boldly and deeply, giving freely and always making others feel special. She was known for arriving with the perfect gift, thoughtfully chosen and wrapped with intention. She adored animals and would have saved every one of them if she could. Fiercely loyal and deeply protective of those she loved, Donna left a lasting mark on every life she touched.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Richard Etkin; her devoted brother, David (Kate) Parisi; her brother-in-law, Nick Falvo; and her cherished nieces and nephews, Nicholas (Francesca) Falvo, Natalie (Anthony) Caruso, Alex (Jonathan Conlan) Parisi, and James Parisi. She found her greatest happiness in her role as “Aunt Donna,” pouring her heart into her great nieces and great nephews, Gianna, Nicholas, Luciano, Antonio, Wren, and Max. To her nieces and nephews, she was more than an aunt. She was a best friend, protector, and guiding presence whose love left an indelible mark on their lives. She is also survived by Richard’s daughter, Sarah (Jonathan) Etkin-Sefcik, and their son, Max Sefcik, whom she loved as her own. She also leaves behind many beloved cousins, extended family, and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dominic and Alberta Parisi; and her sister, Denise Parisi Falvo.

While flowers are welcome, those who wish to honor Donna’s legacy may consider making a memorial contribution to Wellspring, Planned Parenthood, or Homeward Bound Dog Rescue.

Relatives and friends are invited to Donna’s visitation at St. Clement’s Catholic Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be private.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.