DOVER - Emma Zapanta Donato passed away peacefully on Feb. 17, 2017. Born in Butuan Agusan, Philippines to Dr. Benjamin and Viola Zapanta on Aug. 6, 1941.
Emma had worked as a registered nurse in the Philippines and continued practicing nursing in hospitals in Manila, Chicago and Phila. She continued her education and later worked as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Kent General Hospital for 40 years. She also participated in several Medical Missions to the Philippines as a CRNA. Emma was a long time member of Holy Cross Parish and was a member of the Alliance of the Two Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Dover. Emma loved spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, and enjoyed making jewelry for family and friends. She also enjoyed the time spent playing mahjong, scrabble and sequence cards at the Dover Modern Maturity Center.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. Benjamin Zapanta.
She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Venusto (Vince) Donato; sons, Francis, and wife Chrissy, Eric and wife Amy; sisters, Edith Rodriguez and Evangeline Simbulan. She also leaves her three grandchildren, Ana, Ben and Nick.
Friends may call Tuesday eve., Feb. 21, 2017 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State St., Dover.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, So. State St. Dover with entombment in Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum. Family suggests donations in her memory to Holy Cross Church, 631 S. State St. Dover, DE. 19901. Condolences may be made via www.ambruso.com