Donna Jean McConnell

Donna Jean McConnell, 60, of Hermitage, passed away Friday morning, January 30, 2026, in UPMC Jameson Hospital, New Castle.

Donna was born on May 9, 1965, in Sharon, a daughter of the late Ralph Black, Jr. and Donna Jean Spangler. A lifelong area resident, she attended Sharon High School.

Immediately following high school, she began working at Joy Baking Group, Hermitage, where she was still employed more than 40 years later.

She married Wayne McConnell on August 6, 2002; he survives at home. Together they enjoyed many rides on his Harley Davidson.

Donna had a heart of gold. She liked listening to music, hanging out at her pool, playing games and spending time with her beloved dogs, Shera and Heidi.

She is also survived by her son, Robert (Angela) Kelly, Jr., of Erie, PA; two stepdaughters, Lyndsey (Brad) Bell, of Greenville, and Amy (Eric) Elmquist, of St. Simons Island, GA; nine grandchildren, Filomena and Evelyn Kelly, Marissa, Kaylee, Avery, and Brianna Bell, and Halston, Heath and Hayes Elmquist. Also surviving are two siblings, Diane (Jerry) Porterfield, of Ormond Beach, FL, and Ralph Bradley (Lisa) Black, III, of Sharpsville; and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved like her own children.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Kelly, Sr.; her sister, Jane Panin; and a nephew, Mark Panin, Jr.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Mesothelioma Cancer at www.mesotheliomacancer.org

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (02/03/2026) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday (02/04/2026) in the funeral home, with Rev. Rick Stauffer, officiating.

Interment: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.