Donna J Strong

            It is with great joy that the family of Donna J. Strong, announce that she has flown away, with the heavenly Angels, from Keuka Comfort Care Home, Penn Yan, NY. To be with her Lord and Savior who she loves with all her heart, on October 16, 2018.           Donna was born in Canandaigua, NY at F.F. Thompson Hospital, on May 17, 1945. Then grew up in Penn Yan, the daughter of David A. and Dorothy (Baumann) Shipman.           Donna attended kindergarten and first grade in the recreation hall of the Methodist Church, in Branchport. Second grade through first semester of fifth grade in the old stone school house, which is now the town hall in Branchport, and the rest of the fifth grade through sixth in Branchport Elementary School. For Junior and Senior High School, Donna’s class of ’63 was the last class to graduate from the Old Academy in Penn Yan.           After graduating from the Old Academy, Donna went to work at Neisner’s Department Store in Penn Yan. She then worked as head teller at Columbia Bank Savings and Loan, “the bank in the round.” She became a stay-at-home mom, until her three daughters were in school.           When she went back to work, she worked for Penn Yan School, serving lunches in the cafeteria, also as cashier, and a cook for Branchport school, for Head Start, Pre-K, and ARC.           Donna attended Finger Lakes Community College, to study nursing in 1988. She became a nurse’s aide, home health aide, and ward clerk at Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Hospital in Penn Yan.           She was very active with youth groups (4H, church groups, PTA.) She also enjoyed watching and feeding the birds, working in her flower gardens. Donna was an experienced seamstress, and known for her snickerdoodle cookies.           She is survived by her three daughters: Andrea (Richard) Kingsley, of Penn Yan, granddaughter Chelsea (Darren) Merkley, of Penn Yan. Emily (Jody) Swann, of Penn Yan, grandson Bradan of Penn Yan, and Felicia Strong (Tom Fletcher)l of Waterloo, and grandson Ryan Strong of Waterloo.           Her brothers, David J. (Susan Watkins) Shipman, Penn Yan, Donald (Victoria) Shipman, Carlisle, PA, brother-in-law Van (Sandy) Strong, Penn Yan, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Donna’s first great grandchild is expected in November 2018.           Donna was predeceased by her husband Carroll Strong, father David A. Shipman, mother Dorothy Shipman, in-laws Guy and Elda Strong. Sister-in-law Barbara (David) Shipman, and nephew James Jay Shipman, son of Donald and Victoria Shipman.           Calling hours to be held Saturday, October 27, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with funeral to follow at the United Methodist Church, Main Street, in Penn Yan, NY.           Donations may be made to Keuka Comfort Care Home, P.O. Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527, or a charity of one’s choice.           Arrangements made by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan, online condolences can be sent to: weldonfuneralhome.com