“The Sopranos” star Drea de Matteo confirmed her mother Donna died at the age of 82 on May 31 after suffering a cardiac episode. Donna was diagnosed with 10 years ago, according to People. “We are deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of my mother, Donna de Matteo,” the told .
“I was on my way to New York to spend the summer with her when I received the news of her passing,” de Matteo said. “My mother was an amazing woman. She was sensitive, emotional, and brilliant.
She experienced generational trauma but refused to let it define her. She took her pain and made beautiful art with it, writing plays that tore your heart out teaching her craft to others.” VENICE, CA – MAY 11: Actress Drea de Matteo (R) and her mother Donna attend the Grand Opening of Trim Salon On Rose at Trim Salon On Rose on May 11, 2013 in Venice, California.
(Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage) Getty Images De Matteo’s mother was a playwright who penned more than 30 plays that explored the trauma she faced as a child, and the complexity of issues such as homophobia and addiction within a family. She was named the executive director of the HB Playwright Foundation and was a founding member of the National Organization of Italian-American Women, according to People. Donna’s Italian heritage played an important role in her life, and defined her as a person, de Matteo said.
“All of the best and worst of the Italian American experience was present in her upbringing, and she felt the whole .
