Donna Pirhalla

1941 - 2023

Donna Pirhalla, 82, of Vandergrift, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, with her family surrounding her. She fought a long, hard battle with multiple illnesses over many years. Donna was born June 3, 1941, the daughter of the late James and Leona (Shannon) Cleveland. Donna was born and raised in Vandergrift and had a deep love for her town. She was a 1958 graduate of Vandergrift High School and furthered her education at Westmoreland Community College. Donna was employed as a secretary for the courthouse, a house parent for Citizens Hospital Nursing School and a notary. Donna is survived by her two daughters, Kathleen (Montrez) Moreland, of Indiana, and Laurie Henry, of Vandergrift; two grandchildren, Nathan (Harli) Henry, of Vandergrift, and Marissa Moore, of Indiana; three great-grandchildren, Madelynn, Easton and Ariel; her brother, Harry (Sheryl, deceased) (Donna) Cleveland, of Oklahoma Borough; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Donna was a fiercely dedicated mother to her daughters and grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was proud of family and loved to brag about their accomplishments. Donna enjoyed spending time with her loved ones at their family camp. Taking children and grandchildren to the zoo, amusement parks, fairs, parades, sporting events and celebrating holidays are traditions that will continue with future generations. Family always came first, and she was relentless with keeping extended family connected. Donna was active in her community and an inspiration to many. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Vandergrift, a 50-year member of the Eastern Star and the CB club. She was instrumental in starting the Vandergrift Lancer cheerleading program and was a leader in the Girl Scouts. Donna was a volunteer advocate for the Hope Center, Sunday school teacher at the United Methodist Church and volunteered with every organization that her children and grandchildren were involved in. Donna leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion for her family, friends and community. When you needed a listening ear, Donna's door was always open. The hole left by Donna's absence is impossible to fill. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Steven Pirhalla Jr.; and brother, James Cleveland (wife, Virginia Sue, surviving). Family and friends will be received for a celebration of life from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday Nov. 5, 2023, at the JANETTE L. GAMBLE FUNERAL HOME INC., 2842 River Road, Vandergrift, PA 15690, 724-567-7006. We request all of Donna's loved ones join us in celebrating her beautiful life. Pastor Lee Rupert will be officiating the blessing service at 7 p.m. Interment will be at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.gamblefh.com. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made in honor of Donna to the American Cancer Society. Donna's family asks that she be remembered for the love, compassion and joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing.