Donna Pauline Campbell, 85, of Elizabethtown, formerly of Chicora, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, February 6th, 2021 at Lancaster General Hospital.
Donna was born on September 24, 1935, on the family farm in Armstrong County. She was the daughter of the late John A. and Dorothy Aldinger Zahniser.
She spent her early school years in a one room schoolhouse in Kaylor, and graduated from Karns City Area High School. Growing up, she enjoyed spending time bicycling and sledding on the farm. Donna had ponies and various pets, and was an avid dog lover. Her most recent furbaby, a Sheltie named “Major”, will miss Donna’s love and attention. While Donna enjoyed her early life as an only child, she also loved the large extended family she married into. Donna was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest love on Earth was her family. Donna was employed by WITCO Chemical Corporation in Petrolia where she put her talented skills of typing and shorthand to use as the secretary to the plant manager. Donna was a home maker for many years as she raised her children. She then returned to WITCO for 18 additional years, and retired to spend time with her elderly mother.
She was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicora for many years. Donna had an adventurous spirit, and enjoyed traveling with her husband in the United States, and around the world. Her favorite destination was Myrtle Beach, SC, or any warm, sunny location. Donna made friends easily, and enjoyed participating in golf and bowling leagues, crafts, and camping. Donna enjoyed cooking and baking in anticipation of family visits. She was always a willing volunteer, and was ready to help her family in any way she could. Her departure leaves a great void in a close family, but they rejoice in the knowledge that she is with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Donna is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Wayne Campbell, of their Elizabethtown home; two daughters, Pamela Schleiden, and her husband, Roy, and Lori Groff, and her husband Rick; six grandchildren, Amanda Troup, and her husband Marcus, Lynndon Groff, and his wife Zoe, Randall Groff, and his wife Stephanie, Randen Schleiden, Jillian Schleiden, and Adrienne Groff; and a great-grandson, Bryson Troup; all of whom will miss her dearly. Donna is additionally survived by a brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kristen Dawn, and an infant brother; as well as a number of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
A private funeral service will be held Saturday, at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicora with the church pastor, Rev. Joseph Boomhower, officiating. Visitation will be held following the funeral service from 1-2 p.m. in the church narthex. Due the COVID-19 pandemic, guests are asked to wait in their cars, and they will be escorted into the narthex for visitation. (Please wear a mask.) Interment will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Chicora. Memorial contributions in Donna’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by visiting alz.org.