Donna J. Pompa

Donna Jean Pompa, age 91, passed away surrounded by her loving family on January 19th, 2026.

Born on September 27, 1934, Donna was the eldest daughter of the late Dorothy and Edward Ehmer of Amsterdam, New York.

Donna spent the first third of her life in Amsterdam, graduating from St. Mary’s Institute, working for General Electric, and starting her family, the focus of her life. In 1971, her family moved to Latham, where Donna happily spent the rest of her long, full life in the family home. As a professional, Donna worked in the business office at Sears, making many lifelong friends for 18 years.

Donna married the love of her life, William Pompa, in 1981. They spent 22 years together enjoying adventures, traveling, large family meals while lingering hours at the table, and especially over 33 years of annual family vacations in the peace and beauty of Schroon Lake.

Donna’s greatest joy was telling everyone that she was blessed with five “miracles” - her loving daughters. As the family grew, Donna treasured each grandchild, making sure each knew how “precious” they were and how “glad she was that they were born.”

Beyond her family, Donna’s passions included playing piano, gardening, quilting, and games – with badminton set up every summer without fail. Her quilts adorned each nursery and her handmade Halloween costumes were lovingly passed down through her grandchildren. Her gardens were legend, with zinnias, sunflowers, clematis, and rhododendron of epic proportion – not to mention the abundant lemon tree she grew indoors during upstate New York winters. Her deep neighborhood friendships spanning 55 years enriched her days.

Most importantly, Donna created a home where all were welcome at any time - to stop by for a chat, to move in at a time of need, or for an extended visit with families in tow. Donna’s gracious, calm, accepting nature was a gift to so many, and she always saw the good in everyone. To her family, she was the heart and unending source of unconditional love, and her strength, courage, and love of life inspired us all.

Donna is survived by her daughters Noreen Jasper (the late Peter Gill), Marla Satterlee (Wade), Carolyn Jasper (Stan Johnson), Pamela Phelps (Darren), and Jacqueline Von Fricken (Ronald). She lives forever in the hearts of her cherished grandchildren Rachel, Sarah, Eric, Dylan, Chelsea, Anna, Cassandra, and Leah, as well as her great-grandchildren Leo, Natalie, Roman, Luke, Jack, and Liliana. She is also survived by her sister Gina DiBartolomeo (Michael) and predeceased by her beloved husband William and sister Marlene Ehmer.

Calling hours are 3-6pm on Thursday, January 29th at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, New York. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30am on Friday, January 30th, at St Ambrose Catholic Church, 347 Old Loudon Road, Latham, New York. Internment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, New York.

Donations in Donna’s memory can be made to Friends of Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine, 136 Shrine Rd, Fultonville, New York 12072 or on-line www.ourladyofmartyrsshrine.org