Donna L. Higley, age 76, died peacefully at her home, 431 Poplar Street, Meadville, PA, after a sudden illness on Sunday, December 14, 2014. She had lived in Meadville most of her life. Born on June 18, 1938 in Akron, Ohio, Donna was a daughter of the late Walt Foister and Nellie Tate Foister. She married Bert Higley who preceded her in death in 1967.
Some years ago she worked as a certified nursing assistant at Meadville Medical Center and then at Rolling Fields Nursing Home in Conneautville. More recently, she worked in the gift shop at Meadville Medical Center for a year and then as a volunteer at the gift store for four years. Donna was a member of First Christian Church in Meadville and derived great satisfaction by being a volunteer for various organizations, especially at Active Aging in Meadville and was an avid bingo player.Donna loved her pets and had three cats – “Baby”, “Pumpkin”, “Angel”, and a grand dog – “Bella”, who were special to her. She missed her grand dogs – “Liam”, “Bear”, “Bernie” and “Boone”, all who died previously.
Surviving Donna is a daughter – Brenda Miller of Meadville; three sons – Tom Higley and his wife, Deborah of Lakeland, FL; Mark Higley of Meadville, and Michael Higley and his wife, Chrystal of Cleveland; four grandchildren – Russell Card, Odessa Card, Stephanie Card, and Larissa Card all of Meadville; two brothers – Hank Foister and Gerald Foister; and a sister – Vi Byers. Donna was preceded in death in addition to her husband, Bert, by three brothers – Al Foister, Walt Foister, and Tom Foister; and a sister – Emma Baldwin.
A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church, 503 North Main Street, Meadville, PA on Friday, December 19th at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Rodger Smith officiating.
My deepest sympathy is sent to Donna’s family. Donna will be missed not only by her family, but to all friends. Donna and I met at the Senior Center and played a word game on the internet. Always enjoyed visiting with her.
R.I.P.
Carol Ramsay
I send my sympathy at this time of loss. I did not know Donna very well but she was my secret sister a few years ago at First Christian Church.
I worked with Donna at the coffee shop at MMC, where she was a volunteer on Wednesday and the paid cook on Friday. I was her ride home after work on those days. Donna was a joy to work with – always pleasant and had a great dry sense of humor. I am going to miss her so much. I was glad to learn that family members will be taking her beloved cats – she would have hated it if they had to go to the animal shelter. Rest in peace, Donna. You are so missed.
Tom . Brenda . Mark
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. She will be missed by so many..
Brenda and Family,
So sorry about your Mother. I caught up with her last year in the gift Shop Café. We talked about our good times on Elm St. I truly enjoyed knowing her. Denise