Donna Marie Mowery

Donna Marie Mowery, age 74, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Born January 9, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, Donna was the beloved daughter of the late Stephen J. and Margaret I. Vajdik.

Donna was the loving and devoted mother of Mackenzie (Mark) Walk, Meghan (Brian) Burgunder, and Melinda “Minnie” Mowery. Of all the roles Donna held throughout her life, being a mother was among those she cherished most. Her daughters were a tremendous source of pride and happiness, and there was little she would not do for them. She loved fiercely, cared deeply, and was always ready to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or simply be there when her family needed her.

But perhaps no title brought Donna more joy than “Gigi.” She was the adored and devoted grandmother of Blake, Mia, Ella, and Nash Burgunder. Her grandchildren held an incredibly special place in her heart, and she treasured the time she spent with them. She celebrated their accomplishments, shared in their happiness, worried when they worried, and loved them with the unconditional love that only a grandmother can give. Being their Gigi was not simply a title to Donna—it was one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Donna was the beloved sister of Stephen Vajdik, Linda (the late Jerry) Price, Maryann (the late Robert) Sabatini, Darlene “Tina” (Jerry) Franetic, and Jacqueline “Jackie” Vajdik. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, as well as extended family members and dear friends who will remember her with great affection.

A 1970 graduate of Buckeye High School in Valley City, Ohio, Donna went on to pursue a career in nursing. Caring for others came naturally to her, and nursing allowed her to turn that compassion into a lifetime of service. After earning her nursing degree, Donna devoted more than 30 years of her career to Sewickley Hospital.

For Donna, nursing was more than simply a profession. It reflected so much of the person she was—compassionate, dependable, hardworking, and willing to care for others when they were at their most vulnerable. During her many years at Sewickley Hospital, she touched the lives of countless patients, families, coworkers, and friends. Her decades of service stand as a testament to both her dedication to her profession and her genuine desire to help others.

Those who knew Donna knew that family always came first. She was a loving mother, an immensely proud Gigi, a devoted sister, a caring aunt, and a loyal friend. She was someone her family knew they could depend upon. If someone she loved needed her, Donna was there. She gave of herself generously and without expecting anything in return. Whether through a comforting word, a helping hand, a phone call, or simply her presence, she had a way of letting the people in her life know that they mattered.

Donna’s unexpected passing leaves a tremendous emptiness in the hearts of her family and friends. Yet the measure of her life is found not simply in the years she lived, but in the countless ways she cared for others throughout those years. It can be found in more than three decades spent caring for patients, in the relationships she shared with her siblings and extended family, in the unwavering devotion she gave her daughters, and in the extraordinary love she poured into being Gigi to her grandchildren.

Friends will be received at the R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, Inc., 981 Brodhead Road, Moon Twp., on Tuesday, September 8th from 5–7 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 9th at 9:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. James Church, Sewickley, at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment at Sewickley Cemetery.

Donna was a proud American who deeply loved her country and held great respect for the freedoms and values it represents. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization whose mission reflects the patriotism and love of country she carried throughout her life

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