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Donna Palmer Obituary
passed away on January 18th , 2010. She was 73. Born in and raised in Elizabeth Township, PA. Donna was the oldest of two children. Always an active part of her community, she enjoyed helping others in any way possible. Survived by her loving husband Gary of 49 years, her sister Sara Hanford, daughter Charlene (husband Drew), son Ken (wife Amy). Grandchildren Jennie and Sam. After graduating with a teacher's degree from Westminster College 1958, she went on to teach at Oxon Hill High School in Maryland. Gary took her back home to Pittsburgh where they started their family. Donna gave of herself generously through her involvement in various ministerial and secular organizations. She was a Bethel Park Junior Womens Club President, where they raised funds to buy the building for The Opportunity Center (now called ACHIVA) in Pittsburgh, a non-profit work learning facility for developmentally disabled adults. They moved to Scottsdale, AZ. where she still cheered wildly for the Pittsburgh Steelers.. She was an active member in her church, singing in the choir as well, as with the Gospel Ladies. She was a youth group leader, and "bake sale chocolatier" Donna had the privilege of serving as president of the United Methodist Women, Beloved Saguaro HS Band Parent 80-86. She was a live-love and giggle person who enjoyed and lived life to it's fullest. She had a strong faith in God. All who knew her will sorely miss her. Memorial Service will be held Saturday Jan 23rd @ 1:30 pm at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, it would be her wish that donations be made to Paradise Valley United Methodist Women. 4455 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley AZ 85253-4019-
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Memories and Condolences
for Donna Palmer
4 Entries
Mary Maxie
January 24, 2010
Donna sat behind me in PVUMC Choir & always said she could win the Academy award for looking like she was actually hitting all the high A flat notes, when, in fact, she was only mouthing the words, when the music got that high. Even with her illnesses, she always had a smile and said she was fine. I'm glad to have know her. My condolences.
Mary Maxie
Pamela Mosca
January 22, 2010
Donna always had a smile on her face. I had the priviledge to know her throught the Scottsdale YMCA. She took my water aerobics class, we will all miss her. I remember seeing her at JoAnns and talking about sewing..She loved to make things for her grandchildren. She also loved her church..It was an honor to have known such a kind, loving person and she will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to her family during this sad time.
Lou Myers
January 22, 2010
We called Donna sweet and precious, which is exactly what she was.
She was one of the first women I met in water aerobics class, upon moving to Arizona. I feel so blessed to have had Donna as a friend. She was always so warm and caring, and I still can hear her laugh and see her beautiful smile, that was always a part of her. She will be so missed.
She loved her family, grandchildren, church and everyone she met, we have all been so fortunate to have shared in her life.
Judi Willis
January 22, 2010
My mother, Jo Claybourn, remembers Donna well from their shared time in the choir and Gospel Ladies at PVUMC, and told me she was quite a lady. Our family's prayers are with Donna's family.
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