Donna Marie Vance

Donna Marie Vance (Wills), age 65, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, at LVH cedar crest in Allentown, Pennsylvania, surrounded by love, family, and nurse Rachel who gave extraordinary care. Born on April 30, 1960, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Donna's life was a journey marked by resilience, deep affection for her family, and a unique spirit that left an indelible mark on those who knew her.

Donna was the proud mother of four children: Christine Vance, Nicole Leporati, Ariel Solano, and James Vance. She shared many years of her life with her former husband, James Vance. She leaves behind her 2 year old cat, Max, who she adored. Donna also leaves behind 11 precious grandchildren. Her love for her children and grandchildren was boundless-she spoke of them often and with great pride. Her home was filled with cherished memories captured in photographs stored across countless electronic devices. She created picture magnets and even tea cups adorned with images of her beloved grandchildren-testaments to the joy they brought into her life.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Joan Gormley, father, John Wills, and her brother, Bobby Wills. Their memories remained close to Donna's heart throughout her life.

Donna had a vibrant personality and a soul that longed for love above all else. Though shaped by a difficult childhood that sometimes made it hard for her to express affection openly, she loved deeply, especially in quiet moments behind closed doors. Her warmth shone through in the small things: the way she smiled when talking about her family or how she found comfort in the familiar rituals of daily life with her cat, Max, tending to her many plants and going thrift shopping.

A woman of simple pleasures and strong preferences, Donna found joy in the everyday. She loved cuddling on the sofa with her cat, Max, nurturing her many plants, going thrift shopping, making bread with her bread machine-pizza bread being a particular favorite-and delighted in sharing meals that included hoagies, Chinese food (especially General Tso's chicken), and generous bowls of salad drizzled with ranch dressing. A cup of black tea or a bottle of Pepsi often accompanied these moments. She also had a fondness for smoking cigarettes-not just as a habit but as a social ritual.

Perhaps nothing brought Donna more peace than her electronics. To those who knew her well, it was no secret that she treated them like treasured companions-her "other babies." With multiple phones, computers, iPads, watches, and more at any given time, Donna used technology not only to stay connected but also to preserve memories and find solace. Her devices were filled with photos of loved ones-a digital tapestry of the people who meant the most to her.

In recent years, Donna faced increasing challenges due to multiple sclerosis and other health issues. Despite the physical toll it took on her body and spirit, she continued to seek out moments of connection and comfort through her cat, Max, family and friends, especially Michael, and Rena. In the end, she found what she had always longed for: love and peace.

Donna Marie Vance will be remembered for her enduring love for her cat, Max, all of her family, friends, her unique charm, and the quiet strength with which she navigated life's hardships. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

To honor Donna's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service (celebration of life) is to follow on Saturday July 12, 2025 1-5pm-please reach out to her daughter, Nicole, 215-313-3729 for memorial address details.