Donna M. Burgess, 71, of 132 Rightmeyer Street, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 24, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk.

She was born December 20, 1952, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Frederick “Mike” and Marie Groll Leithner.  She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1971, and employed at St. Marys Carbon for twenty-two years.

On July 20, 1984, in St. Marys, Donna married the love of her life, Gerald J. “Jerry” Burgess, who survives.  They were blessed to share thirty-nine years of marriage.

In addition to her loving husband, Donna is survived by her son, Gerald Michael “JJ” Burgess and his wife, Sarah of Easton, PA; her adoring grandson, Chase; two sisters: Cheryl Bouse (Jerrold) of St. Marys and Karen Blashaw (Dave) of Johnsonburg; a brother Kirk Leithner of St. Marys; and several nieces and nephews.

Donna was passionate to assist at the Historical Society of St. Marys and Benzinger Township.  She cherished her relationships there and valued the work that she accomplished within the Historical Society.  She loved animals and feeding the birds.  There was nothing more important to her however, than being with her family that she loved dearly.

A funeral service for Donna will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Monday, July 8, 2024 at 12:00PM.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Monday, July 8, 2024 from 10:30AM until the time of service.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Historical Society of St. Marys and Benzinger Township, 99 Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA 15857.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com