Donna Mae Grinnell Manchester

Age 95 passed away on November 26, 2025. Born on July 4, 1930 in Mansfield, PA the daughter of the late, Edgar and Dorothy Friends Grinnell. Donna was raised by her father and stepmother, Kathleen Grinnell Roby. Donna married her lifelong sweetheart, Robert Manchester, on August 1, 1948 in Caton, NY. Together they ran Peaceful Mountain Farm for 51 years and shared a loving marriage for 60 years until his passing on September 17, 2008. Because of Rob and Donna's boundless hospitality their home on the farm was always a welcoming gathering place where the door and table were always open. From the earliest days of their marriage, they welcomed church friends, extended family, and neighbors. They opened their hearts and home to people who needed temporary shelter, a listening ear, or simply the comfort of a nice meal. Her counters were rarely without homemade pies, cookies, and desserts cooling for whomever might walk through the door. She could quickly put out a hearty spread, whether for two unexpected guests or twenty. Above all, Donna's deepest passion was raising her family. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Family was everything to her. Donna was the epitome of selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her quick wit, playful sense of humor, and generous spirit made others feel at home. Donna diligently served the Elmira City School District in the cafeteria for many years until her retirement. Donna was an active member of the Webb Mills United Methodist Church, the Farmer's Museum, and the Southport Historical Society. In addition to baking and putting on family dinners, she also enjoyed working in her flower garden, canning her vegetables and caring for the family farm. Her love for joking and having fun was one of her greatest attributes. She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her family. She is survived by sons, David (Audrey) of Horseheads, NY; Joe of Pine City, NY; and Gary (Ellie) of Easton PA; grandchildren, Keri (James) Ellis, Jessica (Brian) Luff, Aaron (Amanda) Manchester, Tyler (Kathryn) Manchester, Matthew (Monica) Manchester, Rachel (Bill) Redmond, and Michael Manchester. She welcomed her first great grandchild at age 69 and delighted in nine more – Sydney, Bo, Ryan, Colton, Mackenzie, Emily, Nolan, Finley, Cal, and Robert. She is also survived by her brother, Duane "Ted" (Martha) Grinnell and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Donna was predeceased by her parents, sister, Kay Banfield; and brother, Robert Marsh. Abiding by Donna's wishes, funeral services were held privately. Burial will take place in Webb Mills Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Those wishing may remember Donna with a donation to Webb Mills Cemetery Association, 534 Sagetown Road, Pine City NY 14871. Services provided by Caywood's Funeral Home & Gardens, Southport, NY.