04/03/2026
Born in 1927, Donis is cherished in New Ross, not only as its oldest resident, but as a woman whose quiet generosity has shaped the town for generations. During the New Ross 150th Anniversary Parade, she rode down Main Street in a convertible, wearing a new dress and shoes, her hair lovingly styled by her sister. With a sash across her chest, she represented a community’s heartfelt thank-you for a lifetime of kindness.
Donis has spent decades feeding families, helping neighbors, and serving faithfully at Mace Church. Her steady compassion became woven into the fabric of New Ross, making the parade tribute especially meaningful.
Her life is also linked to history through her brother, Phil Ward, one of the servicemen who raised the flag at Iwo Jima. While the world remembers the Iconic photograph, Donis remembers the anxiousprayers and overwhelming relief when he returned
home.