Donna J. Shaver

Laurens

Donna Jean (Haney) Shaver danced her last dance and went to be with her angels and fairies in Heaven, while surrounded by her loving family, on January 30, 2026, at the age of 85.

She was born on April 27, 1940, in Binghamton, NY, to Agnes Laures-Haney and Steve Haney. Donna grew up with her late aunt and grandparents on Pony Farm Road in Otego, NY. She graduated from Otego Central School. After high school, Donna moved to Albany and then Long Island, before returning to Oneonta to work for the New York Telephone Company. While working at the telephone company, she met her late husband, Whitney Shaver and they moved to Colorado, married and had three children. The family moved back to Laurens, New York in 1974 to be closer to extended family members.

She had a rewarding career with the SUNY Oneonta Ancillary Services. She joined the college as a manager of Lee Dining Hall. After a few years, she moved from dining services to managing the bookstore, gift shops, and the campus convenient store. She always enjoyed hiring and working with students, some of who became life-long friends. After retirement, she became the Activities Director at the Hampshire House adult home in Oneonta for a few years where she immensely enjoyed the residents.

Over the years, Donna dabbled with tarot cards, providing readings to family and friends. She also enjoyed genealogy and astrology, and created astrology charts for many. She was always up for a card game or a good political debate. As an avid gardener, she meticulously maintained her flowerbeds and for many years grew fruits and vegetables. She was often found in the middle of her raspberry patch or picking rhubarb from her abundant patch. As a sun angel, she spent much of the summer months enjoying her pool. She spent the winter months reading historical and fictional novels by the fireplace. She was artistic and crafty. Donna loved to cook and spend time with her family and friends. She would host a monthly brunch at her home, decorating the table with a different theme each month and celebrating the birthdays of her friends.

After her husband passed, she reconnected with a high school friend, John Robinson, who became her companion until his passing.

Donna was predeceased by her late husband, Whitney Shaver; companion John Robinson; mother, Agnes Laures-Shaver; father, Steve Haney; and brothers, Gary and Robert Haney. She is survived by her sister Joan Mattice; son, Tracy Shaver and his children, Sydney, Delaney and Chase; daughter, Kelly Pinter, husband, Steven, and children, Whitney and Lauryn; daughter, Kim Nino, husband, Paul, and their children, Dylan and Tara.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please send donations to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820. A celebration of life will be held at Donna's house in Laurens, NY, from 2 to 5 p.m. on April 25, 2026. Those who wish to share in this celebration are welcome to attend.

Donna's family has entrusted her care to Edd Stanimer of the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris. For online condolences to the family visit www.Johnstonfh.com.