Donna Joyce Szymczak

Donna Joyce Szymczak, age 78, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, while under the care of the incredible staff at Concordia at Cabot Long-Term Nursing Care.

Donna was born June 4, 1947, in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Peryneal and June Alice (Schoenfeld) Muckerheide. She was raised in love with her four siblings and second father, Leland Hellestad, as well as many cherished grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

For most of her life, Donna was a teacher, graduating with a BA in Education from University of Wisconsin White Water. She held teaching positions in Wisconsin, Texas, and finally Tennessee, where she retired from education to start her own business creating and teaching stained glass art. Donna had a deep love of arts and crafts and was always working on a project, from creating beautiful jewelry, scarves, and paintings to the breathtaking stained glass windows that adorn churches and houses today.

Donna found so much joy in spending time with her family and friends. She was especially proud of her grandchildren. Known for her warm heart and her nurturing spirit, she was "Mom" to everyone she met, welcoming anyone to the family and helping those in need.

Donna leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Andrea Workman (Creg); her grandchildren, Grace, Ella, Natalie, and Caden; her brothers, Perry and Randy (Jody); her sister, Jill (Jim); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Szymczak; her son, Ed Szymczak; her second father, Leland Hellestad; and her brother, Larry.

Private arrangements were entrusted to Boylan-Glenn-Kildoo Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 130 Wisconsin Ave., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Foundation: https://foundation.pbs.org/ways-to-give/.