Donna Minassian

Donna Schaffer Minassian passed peacefully in her sleep on March 23, 2026 at the age of 70. She was a devoted Mother, grandmother, sister and friend. 

Donna was born and raised in Albany, NY attended Albany High School, RIT and UAlbany. She loved both the fine arts and culinary arts and was a talented china painter, cook and baker. She had a passion for jewelry and worked in the industry for many years. She was fascinated with astrology, energy healing and believed in forces that gave greater meaning to life. She loved discovering new food and faraway lands, especially with her late husband Harry, her soul mate. 

Donna is predeceased by her parents Harriett and Lou Schaffer, husband Harry Minassian, M.D. and her two sisters Merle and Sara. She leaves behind son, Sam Minassian (Ashley Sbuttoni) and granddaughter, Harlan who was the light of her life in the recent past; her brother Howie Schaffer (Simma Kinderlehrer), her brother-in-law Lew; Sperber; brother-in-law, David (Carmen) Minassian; mother-in-law, Mary Minassian.; and nieces and nephews, Michael Sperber (Meg & Violet), Chana Schaffer and Jonah Schaffer (Jess & Elena). As well as many loving cousins. 

Those wishing to remember Donna in a special way can make memorial contributions in her name to the ALS Association.

Funeral services for Donna will be held on Friday March 27th at 10:00 am at The Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Ave. in Albany. Burial will follow at Albany Rural Cemetery.

The Funeral Service will be livestreamed on Zoom and can be viewed by clicking the link below:

Donna Minassian Funeral Service Livestream

Meeting ID: 857 9285 9332
Passcode: 109753

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