Donna M. McClellan, age 69, of 155 Rube Road, Waterford, died Sunday, February 1, 2009 at Hamot Medical Center after an illness of almost two years. Born in Erie on August 18, 1939, she is the daughter of Lena Pasquale of Erie and the late Alfonso Pasquale. She married John E. McClellan on August 6, 1960, and he survives.
Donna was a member of All Saints Parish of Waterford and was actively involved in the life of the church. She was a former CCD director and teacher for many years, she served as choir director for 28 years, and she was active in the Curcillo Movement where she was a troubadour. Her love of music was very evident as she shared her musical gifts when singing, or playing the organ, piano, guitar, or dulcimer.
After ten years of employment with the American Lung Association, Donna retired as Executive Secretary. Previously she worked for the Intermediate Unit at Fort LeBoeuf School District, Home Health of Erie, and as a nurse’s aid at Sisters of Mercy.
She was preceded in death by her father, Alfonso Pasquale, an infant daughter, Michelle McClellan, and her great-granddaughter, Addison Zielinski.
Survivors in the family include her devoted husband and loving caretaker, John; three children, all of Waterford: Lea M. Diemer and husband Robert, Stephen J. McClellan and fianc??? Darcie, and Christopher J. McClellan and wife Kathy; 8 grandchildren, Steven Diemer, Zachary, Joshua, and Cody McClellan, Paul and Matt Lacny, Janet Zielinski, and Casey McClellan; a great-grandson, Paul Lacny III; two brothers, Aquino Pasquale and wife Linda of Springhill, FL, and Robert Giannamore and wife Dee of Ontario, California; and a sister, Rebecca Moran of Venice, FL.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, West First and Walnut Streets, Waterford, on Friday evening from 7-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at All Saints Church on Saturday at 10:00am with Rev. Father Thomas Whitman officiating. Interment will be in Waterford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Building Fund of All Saints Church, 11264 Rt. 97 N, Waterford, PA 16441; or the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 915 State Street, Erie, PA 16501.
Sympathies, thoughts, and prayers for everyone.
John and boys,
I remember the songs that you and she sang at our wedding were so beautiful. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Zac, Josh, Cody and the rest of the family. Donna will be missed.
Love,
Uncle Ken, Aunt Roberta and Amanda
Dear John and family:
I was so saddened to hear of Donna’s death. She, Judy and I enjoyed each other’s company so much when we worked together at the Respiratory Alliance. Her warmth, and her ability to calm me down and help me focus when things got hectic were such gifts. You were all in my prayers often, as I knew she was ill. May the peace of God, which is beyond our understanding, comfort and uplift you at this sad time.
In Christ, Jenn
John & Family,
My heart goes out to you during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Renee’ (Nic & Nate) Pistory
John:
I am sorry to hear about your loss! Donna was truly a pleasure to be associated with when I worked with her at The Lung Association.
Sincerly:
Ken Cancilla
Smyrna, TN
Our Deepest Sympathy to all the family, Donna will be missed, but happy with our Lord she was a wonderful lady and friend, God Bless, ,Ruth & Jack.