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Donna Burkholder Obituary
Donna Burkholder
September 04, 1941- July 06, 2021
She always loved a good story. But sadly, this is the end of hers. The 79-year life tale of Donna Jane Burkholder came to a conclusion on July 6, 2021, at Lancaster General Hospital, surrounded by her family. However, no story is complete without starting at the beginning.
Once upon a time on September 4, 1941, there was a feisty little girl born in Carlisle, PA to Freda and Howard Rynard. She grew up like a queen doted on by her mother, aunt, and grandmother. At Big Spring High School, she met the boy who would become her knight in shining armor, Ronald George Burkholder. For 57 years of marriage, they shared a love for music, theater, travel, and conversation while they lived in Mechanicsburg, PA and later Lancaster, PA.
The adventure continued at Shippensburg University where Donna earned a B.A. in English and later a M.S. in Reading and Literacy. Aside from her studies, most of her time was spent staying up late talking with friends, playing cards, and volunteering with Alpha Sigma, the sorority she helped found.
Donna was an avid teacher of many things throughout her life; English, Reading (Central PA Literacy Council), GED classes (Carlisle H.S.), church youth, interior decorating (Home Interiors), and aging residents (Recreation Dept. Claremont Nursing Center). St. Stephen's Cathedral in Harrisburg became her second home where she was a devoted member of the flower guild, bookstore, Sunday school, and vestry. Flowers, reading, decorating, and the color red were among her favorite things, evident in her hair, clothes, and car.
Those still living her legacy are her husband, Ronald Burkholder; daughters, Andrea Baker (Brad), Lianne Billoni (Philip); her grandchildren, Allison Baker (Kyle, fiancé), Michael Baker (Meredith), Nico Billoni, Dante Billoni; and great grandson, Cohen Baker.
Help us remember and celebrate Donna's stories at a memorial service on Sat., August 7, 2021 at 11a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17101. Friends may greet the family at 10a.m. until the time of the service. A private interment will be held with the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Central PA Literacy Council, 225 Hummel Ave., Lemoyne, PA 17043.
Cremation Services of Lancaster 717-273-6283
Memories and Condolences
for Donna Burkholder
Sponsored by Cremation Services of Lancaster.
jim stine
July 10, 2023
Miss you and you are still on my mind. We loved to talk about family Jim Stine
Frederick S Richardson
August 7, 2021
Donna was smart, vivacious, and talented in so many ways. I only knew her in her younger years, including through high school, but I will always have very positive memories of her. I knew her husband, Ronald, less well, but they seemed like a couple made for each other. My condolences to Ron and his and Donna's daughters.
Jim Stine
July 19, 2021
Miss talking to you about our family
Jeff Line
July 18, 2021
Long ago memories. Glenda enjoyed Donna's company. So sorry for your loss.
John Guarnera
July 18, 2021
Oh how glad that our paths crossed. Rest In Peace Donna and Ron be well.
Janet singer
July 18, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Prayers & Sympathy
Wendy Blacksmith
July 17, 2021
Ron, so very sorry to read of Donna's passing. She was a classy lady. I hope she finds Kay and they share memories of the good days together.
Kathy Motter
July 17, 2021
I am sorry for your loss. Donna was like an aunt and loved by all of us. I know that she is in Heaven right now playing Scrabble with mom. I can hear them now telling each other to quit making up words a d check the dictionary.
Keith Pomraning ( Blue Mountain Blooms)
July 16, 2021
Ron and Familly,You will be in my prayers.Your mother Frieda and Sister-In -law Lucretia will be waiting for you .They were both a patron to our shop and neighbors to our farm along the north mountain.We will miss your smiling face and wonderfull laugh.God bless you all.
Pat Graver McKeehan
July 16, 2021
RIP my friend from long ago!
Rich Bowra
July 16, 2021
Rest In Peace Donna. It has been a very long time since our work on the Central Pennsylvania Literacy Council.
I did not realize until today that you were Freda´s daughter. Freda was one of my first connections during my long career at the Dauphin County Library System.
You both left a legacy of a more educated and literate community.
Patty Tracy Dietrich
July 16, 2021
Donna was my 1st supervisor @ Harrisburg State Hospital (early 70's). She was an amazing & talented lady!
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