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Donna L. Gerhold

1960 - 2025

Donna L. Gerhold obituary, 1960-2025, Salisbury, MD

BORN

1960

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Holloway Funeral Home - Salisbury

501 Snow Hill Road

Salisbury, Maryland

Donna Gerhold Obituary

Donna L. Gerhold, 64, formerly of Smithsburg, MD passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 after an eight-year battle with Alzheimer's surrounded by her family. She was born to Clyde and Erika Nafzinger and grew up in Hacks Point, MD.

Donna graduated from Millersville College in 1983 with a business degree and began her career as a Statistician for the US Census Bureau. In 1990, she married the love of her life, Tom, and they moved to Smithsburg to raise their two daughters, Erika and Emma. Donna later worked as an administrator, lifeguard, and swim instructor at the Waynesboro YMCA, Beaver Creek Country Club, and other private pools where she found the most joy in teaching countless children throughout our community how to swim in her 20-year career.

Donna was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church, Smithsburg, MD and volunteered often in the Smithsburg schools and through Group Mission Trips. Donna truly enjoyed life - swimming, biking, scrapbooking, music, dancing, and laughing with friends and family over a good meal or glass of wine. Donna loved to try new things, make new friends, and always brought out the best in everyone around her.

Donna is survived by her lovingNaf husband, Thomas Gerhold, daughters Erika (Logan) Betterton and Emma Gerhold, brother Hans (Patty) Nafzinger, sister Connie "Zing" Nafzinger, foster brother Kevin (Lisa) Bowe. She cherished her role as "Lolly" to her beloved grandson, Owen Betterton, who always put a smile on her face.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donna's memory to the Town of Smithsburg's Veterans Park. A celebration of life will be held in Smithsburg, MD on April 26, 2025.

Arrangements are in care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. Please leave condolences for the family at www.hollowayfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Cecil Whig on Feb. 24, 2025.

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2 Entries

Mason

March 1, 2025

Sending condolences and love to you all, Donna was one of the nicest people, so kind and always smiling.

Mary Caron Little

February 24, 2025

I am so sincerely sorry for your loss and the loss we all feel who were lucky enough to have known Donna, you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this extremely difficult time.

Respectfully,
Mary Caron Little

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501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804

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