Donna A. Salhany

North Smithfield – Donna A. (Nazarian) Salhany, 73
Formerly of Lincoln, passed away peacefully at St. Antoine’s with her family by her side on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Born in Pawtucket, she was a daughter of the late Zakie B. and Amenia (Nahas) Nazarian.
Donna dedicated nearly forty years of her life to teaching for the town of Lincoln until retiring as a recognized educator and reading specialist in 2011. She inspired generations of students and touched countless lives with her knowledge, compassion, and unwavering commitment to education for both herself and those she taught.
She was an active parishioner of St. Basil the Great Melkite Catholic Church in Lincoln, RI. She dedicated her time in service at various events, bazaars, the Melkite Youth Organization, and other church groups. She cherished her deep faith, loving family and loyal friends throughout her life.
Donna was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she pursued numerous interests in the arts as well as craft projects. She delighted in preparing and sharing traditional Syrian food. She found joy in Syrian dancing with her siblings and cherished listening to her brother John play the Middle Eastern oud.
She will be remembered for her warm smile, generous spirit and the joy she brought to all those around her.
Donna is survived by two children, Kenneth Salhany of Woonsocket and Kerri Salhany of Smithfield and partner Timothy Corlett; beloved granddaughters, Chloe and Brianna Corlett; brother Dr. John Nazarian; sister-in-law, Patricia Nazarian; two brothers-in-law, Abraham “Bee” Albert and Albert Gabriel; as well as many nieces, grand nieces, nephews and grand nephews. She was predeceased by brothers Fabian, Michael, Sippi, Fred, and Judge George Nazarian, sisters Mary Zompa, Josephine Apostolou, June Albert and May Gabriel.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, September 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, RI. A Trisagion Prayer Service will be offered at 6:30 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 20, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at TRIPP Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service of the deceased at 11:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Basil the Great Melkite Catholic Church, 15 Skyview Drive, Lincoln, RI followed by a Trisagion Prayer Service & Interment at St. Basil Melkite Cemetery, Cumberland, RI.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Basil the Great Melkite Church or Saint Antoine’s Residency in North Smithfield, RI
Online condolences are welcomed at www.TrippFuneralHome.com .