The woman who inspired us
Meet Donna. Donna is my late mother, who passed in August of 2024 after her battle with metastatic breast cancer. On top of being the most loving and dedicated mother, daughter, sister, wife and friend, Donna was an avid baker.
A family tradition
For as long as I can remember, our family gathered around the kitchen and my mother. Family dinners, celebrations, birthday parties. Donna was always at the center of the planning, the cooking and especially the baking. Donna showed her love and care in so many ways, but the one way she became known for was her desserts. At the center of every gathering was an array of delicious treats with something for everyone, and supplied always free of charge.
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During the Christmas season, there wasn't a shred of available storage space in the refrigerator or cabinets. Filled with prepared cookie dough and bulk ingredients for more baking, Donna created huge spreads of cookie varieties that she would hand out to all of her neighbors and friends. My sisters and I would spend hours helping her roll cookie dough and rotate trays in the oven.
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When my niece, Donna's granddaughter, was born, it wasn't long until she had a whisk in her hands. She became Donna's sous chef on baking days and the pair carved out their own special time to bake together. Memories centered around desserts and her Grammy's love that my niece can keep for a lifetime.
A dream made reality
Donna's lifelong dream was to be able to open her own baking business one day. When asked what she would do with her life if money was no object - baking was it. Donna was the primary provider for our family of 6 most of her life. A role she took on with tremendous pride and success. Between caring for a husband, our father, who ultimately we lost to cancer in 2014, and 4 kids, the financial stability of corporate America was the only option.
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The dream of owning a baking business is one I shared with my mother. In the aftermath of losing her in 2024, I struggled to find meaning and purpose until I realized the best way I could honor her memory and keep her spirit alive was to bake. And so, Konfectionarie was born. From the lifelong love and support of a woman who was loved by so many, I was able to realize this dream for the both of us.
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My only hope for this baking business is to help my customers make the same kind of memories I hold so dear through delicious and beautiful treats.
