Donna Gerhart

Donna Marie Gerhart - Obituary

1941-2024

Donna Marie Gerhart of Kane passed away peacefully at her daughter’s residence and entered eternity the morning of October 21, 2024 surrounded by her family. Donna was born in James City, Pennsylvania on May 12, 1941. She was the daughter of the late William and Nevada Dunkle and the sister to nine siblings.

Donna married the love of her life, the late Francis “Manny” Gerhart on August 12, 1961. They were lifelong residents of Kane, Pennsylvania.

She was employed by several local businesses over the years to include Houston Electronics, Archer’s Store, Paradise Lounge and IU9. However, the job she most loved and was devoted to was being a full time mom, grandma and great grandma. She was a wonderful wife, sister, friend, neighbor and invested in the lives of nieces, nephews and her children’s friends. She was known to her family as Mom, Nana and Grammy.

Grammy was self-less. Everyday she put the well-being of others over her own and did so with smiles, hugs and compassion.

Nana was fun. She could light up a room with her laughter, ideas for fun filled trips and could find an adventure on any day no matter rain, snow or sunshine.

Mom was loving. She loved with her whole heart. Her love was never forced, it was always just there, unconditionally.

Donna was joyful. The joy was evident in her daily life, however, it was her twin girls, six grandchildren and twin great grandchildren who stole the show. In all her days, her face glowed when they walked into the room. You were her pride and joy in which she cherished each of you for all the moments spent alongside her.

Donna enjoyed being active and pursued the outdoors. She enjoyed walking in town, hiking trails, biking on country roads and trails, downhill and cross country skiing, kayaking, polka and country line dancing and water skiing. She was known for her elaborate Christmas cookie trays, custom birthday cakes, Valentines day sugar cookies, decorating parade floats, Halloween costumes, summer campfires, neighborhood block parties, picking blackberries then making tons of pies and enjoying a piece of chocolate dessert on a regular basis.

Donna is survived by her twin daughters Lori Trunzo of Pittsburgh PA and Lisa (Alan) McCord of Hollsopple PA; six grandchildren Laurel (Dylan) Hyman, Kaleb Pierotti, Kieren Pierotti all of Pittsburgh PA, Kyle Pierotti of Clarion PA, Kristen McCord of Mechanicsburg PA and Amber McCord of Hollsopple PA; identical twin great grandchildren Aidan James Hyman and Liam Francis Hyman of Pittsburgh PA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her spouse Francis “Manny” Gerhart; parents William and Nevada Dunkle; five sisters Emma Dunkle, Betty Shaffer, Renda Nicklas, Ruth Lindsey and Virgina Dunkle; four brothers Elmer Dunkle, Jack Dunkle, Richard Dunkle and Bill Dunkle.

Family would like to extend gratitude to all Donna’s friends and caregivers in Kane for the love and friendship provided during her final years. In addition, we would like to thank Bethany Hospice of Pittsburgh PA for the excellent care in her final months. The impact you all made to Donna’s life will never be forgotten.

Online Obituary at: www.RJSLATER.COM

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Kane Community Methodist Church at 112 Greeves Street Kane PA 16735 and TAMED - Trail Association of the McKean / Elk Divide by sending to TAMED - PO Box 326 Kane PA 16735.

A memorial service to remember and honor the life of Donna Gerhart will be held on December 14, 2024 at the Kane Community Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 1 pm followed by a memorial service.

We will carry your memory in our hearts as we navigate not having you next to us using your words of wisdom to “take one day at a time” until we meet again in eternity.