Donna Elizabeth Swavey, 88, of Meadville and Venango passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Crawford County Care Center. Donna was born in Falconer, NY on September 4, 1934, the daughter of the late Nicholas Louis Chest and Geraldine Showers Chest. She spent her early years in Kerrtown, graduating with the Meadville High School class of 1952. On June 29, 1957, she married Russell Swavey, and they were happily married for over thirty-three years. For over twenty-six years, Donna owned and operated the Venango Hotel. She was a member of the American Legion Post 381 Auxiliary, a league bowler at Lost Lanes, past president of the Crawford County Shuffleboard League, and a pageant contestant of the Cambridge Springs Timeless Tootsies. She and her husband, Russell, enjoyed traveling, camping, hosting parties, dancing and entertaining. She treasured her many friends and the company of her fur babies.
She was preceded in death by husband Russell Swavey in 1991; infant son and infant daughter, Brenda Lee; brother Steven Showers; and dear friends Midge Brawley, Gisela Lewis and Alice Burnell.
Survivors include son David Swavey and his wife Tricia of Wylie, TX; son Jeffrey Swavey and his wife Kelly of Meadville; daughter Devna Swavey and her companion Ross Varndell of Cambridge Springs; grandchildren Natausha, Adrienne, Dylan, Jennifer, and Stephaney; great grandchildren Brayden, Carter, Landry, Chloe, Chevelle, Kaylee and soon to be born, Nova; sister Nancy Pavlac and her husband Bob of Florida; and friends Jan, Kathy, Carolyn, Vickie, Terri, and Nelda.
Friends may call at Van Matre Funeral Home, Cambridge Springs on Saturday, May 13, from 11 am until the time of service at 1 pm. Interment at Venango Cemetery with a reception to follow at the American Legion Post 381, Cambridge Springs. Memorials may be made to Meadville Humane Society.
We have wonderful memories of Donna and Russ.She was always a gracious person,with a beautiful smile.We enjoyed our times with her.We are deeply saddened for your loss,David,Jeff and Devna. She will be missed.
Donna always had a smile.to share and knew how to command a room. Her laugh was infectious. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Blessing and peace are wished for Devna, Dave, and Jeff
Donna was such a fun person to be around, up for an adventure. I remember a trip to Conneautville getting lost with an almost empty tank of gas laughing so hard and having a wonderful adventure. I moved to Ohio and won’t be able to be there for the service and I really wish I could be there and hug you Devna. I loved the time I spent in Venango and really miss “the old days”. I will be there in spirit and have a dumb and coke and wash it down with peppermint schnapps in her honor.
Such a ray of sunshine to my days. I have great memories of her and Baby. Always will. My sympathy Devna. ❤️🩹