Donna L. (Koylowski) Vilian

HOLDEN – Donna L. (Koylowski) Vilian, 78, passed away peacefully with her husband by her side after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Born on July 25, 1947, Donna grew up in the Vernon Hill section of Worcester. She was a member of the Pleasant Street Baptist Church of Worcester and graduated from South High School. Following high school, Donna earned her degree from Quinsigamond Community College and began her professional career at the former Sprague Electric Company. She later worked for many years at the Telegram & Gazette, where she proudly served as a dedicated and trusted secretary to the Vice President, Gordon Calvery.

In 1998, Donna married the love of her life, Alan Vilian of Holden, in Gloucester, Massachusetts — a place that would forever hold a special place in her heart. Together, Alan and Donna operated their long-running small-town family business, Holden Home Modernizing. She proudly served as Alan’s office manager working beside him with quiet strength and steady dedication. For many years they were members of the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce.

She loved to travel the world, finding joy in exploring new places, cultures, and experiences. Her travels took her throughout Europe, including Switzerland, Spain, Ireland, Italy, and France, as well as destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Hawaii, Sweden, St. Petersburg, Russia and Prague. Of all her adventures, Donna’s favorite was her African safari - a trip that captured her love of discovery and her sense of wonder for the world.

Donna was known for crafting homemade candy for family, friends, and her medical caregivers for every occasion. Fondly known as “the candy lady,” she poured love into each treat, thoughtfully made and beautifully packaged as a heartfelt expression of her care and generosity.

Donna cherished her time in Gloucester for more than 70 years. Sailing aboard the Ardelle was among her favorite pastimes. A passionate Scrabble player, she loved playing games on the front porch with family and friends. She also treasured long lunches with good company, especially enjoying a lobster roll at the Seaport Grille.

Donna was a devoted supporter of the arts, with a special love for the Gloucester StageCompany and The Hanover Theater. Attending performances with her husband, Alan, was a source of happiness throughout the years. Donna found great joy in creating beach glass art from her treasured shoreline collections and in attending painting classes at the Holden Senior Center. She also had a special gift for crafting sand dollar ornaments, sharing her creativity and love of the sea through each handmade piece.

Donna’s love for cats reflected her gentle spirit; she cared deeply for animals and supported efforts to protect and nurture them. Over the years, she adopted many cats each of whom she loved and cared for in her home.

Donna will be lovingly remembered as a devoted sister and caring aunt, known for her thoughtful cards for every occasion - a simple gesture that reflected her boundless love. Loving and kind by nature, her warmth and supportive spirit made everyone feel cherished and valued.

Alan would like to extend appreciation to Dr. Tony Samaha and the entire oncology department at Reliant Medical Group, with special gratitude to the devoted oncology nurses. Appreciation is also extended to the care team on 36 N. at St. Vincent‘s Hospital especially to the nurses who provided care and understanding during Donna’s 20 day stay. With sincere thanks to Dr. Sunita Vyas for her compassion and understanding, and to Dr. Nikhil Ravula for his caring guidance to both Donna and Alan. In Donna‘s eyes you must have been the very best doctor, as you were gifted some of her final homemade chocolates. Deep gratitude is also extended to the compassionate staff at Rose Monahan Hospice Home for the exceptional care and comfort Donna received during the short number of days there.

Donna endured a long and courageous journey with cancer, undergoing treatment from 2006 to 2012 and again from 2018 through December 2025, meeting each chapter with remarkable strength.

Donna is survived by her loving husband Alan, sister Janice Tynan of Whitinsville, sister-in-law Linda (Vilian) Lukason and her husband Peter of Worcester, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a period of Calling Hours on Thursday, January 15th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 16th at 11:00 am at Miles Funeral Home in Holden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to The Open Door Food Pantry at 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01830, https://foodpantry.org/ways-to-give/donate/, Cape Ann Animal Shelter at 4 Paws Lane Gloucester, MA 01830, https://www.capeannanimalaid.org/donate and Salvation Army at 72 Cambridge St, Worcester, 01603 https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give/164006/#!/donation/checkout