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Published: 9 April 2010
by PETER GRUNER

FINSBURY people came out in their hundreds on Wednesday afternoon to say farewell to one of their own at the funeral of popular Liberal Democrat councillor Donna Boffa.

Family and friends lined the street with flowers outside the Redbrick Estate’s community centre, close to Old Street, where Donna grew up. 

Then mourners drove in procession in four funeral cars decked with floral tributes, and in a coach, to the ornate St Peter’s Italian church in nearby Clerkenwell Road for the service.

One of her sons, Steven, spoke movingly about how his mother had, all those years ago, graduated from working at a hairdresser, then at Top Shop, and finally becoming a councillor. “When she got elected we were all very proud of her,” Stephen said. 

The service was conducted by Father Ryszard Wrobel, who said he met Donna many times and liked her very much. “She was a won­derful and warm lady,” he added. “My heart goes out to her family at this time. They need a lot of support to get over this very sad loss.” 

Islington Mayor Anna Berent attended, as did council leader Lib Dem councillor Terry Stacy and former Lib Dem leader councillor James Kempton, along with many colleagues from Islington Council. 

Mother of five Donna, who lost her fight against cancer aged 43, repres­ented Bunhill ward for eight years after winning a by-election in 2003. 

Trece Tilt, with her son Billy, 6, said she knew Donna for more than 20 years and they were great friends: “She used to go out to council meetings and I would look after  after her kids when they were little from time to time,” Trece said. 

Following a Catholic service a number of Donna’s favourite songs were played at the church including Victims by Culture Club and Michael Jackson’s You Are Not Alone.

Donna worked as a volunteer at Hugh Myddelton School and previously was a youth worker at Toffee Park playground where she ran the football team.

She leaves five chil­dren, Natasha, Brooke, Steven, James and Emma, and nephew Luke, for whom she was a carer.

Former Mayor Lib Dem councillor Stefan Kasprzyk said Donna always cared deeply about helping local people, whether it was about housing, youth or any of the issues than can affect a community.

“She’ll be sadly missed,” he added. “I speak for all Lib Dem councillors when I say she’ll be a great loss.”