Donna C. Debus-Hawk

Donna C. Debus-Hawk of Allentown died peacefully at home on Friday, December 6. Born in Allentown she was the daughter of Carol A. (Piller) and James C. Debus.
Donna attended St. Ann School in Emmaus and was a 1978 Graduate of Emmaus High School. She held a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Social Science/Early Childhood Education and a Masters Degree in Psychology/Prevention Education from Penn State University; she was a Behavioral Specialist, a Certified Recovery Specialist and a Certified Prevention Specialist.
Donna created, implemented and established an alternative behavioral education program for at risk teens that prevented their separation or expulsion from their current school educational environment and allowed them to complete rehabilitative and mental health treatment in order to return to school. Donna's individual and group therapeutic interventions helped countless adolescents struggling with various mental health issues. The program was successful at Parkland High School as well as other area schools and was run by Donna for many years before she continued her career educating professionals.
Donna's gift to those in recovery was her unwavering honesty, integrity and boots on the ground attitude. You knew you were not alone; she had your back. She told you exactly what you needed to hear, whether you liked it or not!
Her involvement in the recovery community was greatly appreciated by many organizations. She served on the committee for Rally In The Valley (2016-2021) and for the last 5 years on the committee for Lehigh Valley Walk for Recovery. Donna was an instructor for those taking the Certified Recovery Specialist Course, helping countless people get their certifications.
Donna was always available to lend a hand at recovery events, workshops and support groups. She was a longstanding member of the Lehigh Valley Parent and Family Support Group.
Donna and her beloved Therapy Dog, Anika, were active participants in Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs. Donna and Anika would visit libraries, schools and hospitals to pass on the message of hope and comfort.
Donna was a member of St. Ann Parish in Emmaus. Beyond her lifetime of service to others, Donna enjoyed gardening, flower arranging, theater, dance and reading. Most of all she enjoyed her time with her family, taking trips and vacations including the beach, Disney World and cruises. She enjoyed working in the garden with her Mom; frequent coffee talks with her Dad, Holidays and Sundays at her parent's house for pool time and family dinners. She was especially close to her brother and sister and was always available for the good times and the bad with a listening ear or guidance.
Her nieces and nephews were the light of her life. She attended every event for them from church and school functions to sporting events, near and far. She enjoyed baking and Easter Egg painting at Granmom and Grandad's house which always lead to fun conversations. She was always up for any adventure they came up with.
Donna is predeceased by her husband Christopher P. Hawk, and her faithful and adoring American Eskimos: Misha, Bojangles, and Parker, as well as her trusted Therapy Dog, Kasha.
She is survived by her parents Carol A. (Piller) and James C. Debus, her brother James A. Debus and his wife Melissa, her sister Nicole S. Debus, her nephews James Christopher and Gabriel Anthony, her niece Madeline Sofi, and her "Best Gift Ever," her German Shepherd Anika.
Donna was a beloved Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend. She brought love and acceptance wherever she went. She touched and inspired countless lives and continues to do so. If you knew her you were blessed. Her legacy is her ability to teach life lessons that will resonate through time. Donna and her hugs will be greatly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11 am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 415 S. 6th Street, Emmaus PA 18049. Viewings will be Friday 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 am in Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main Street, Emmaus. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs, P.O. Box 3009, Wescosville, PA 18106. www.lvtherapydogs.org.