Donna Marie (Connors) Smith

Donna Marie Smith, 67, of Mt. Pleasant, PA passed away peacefully on the Thanksgiving morning of Thursday, November 28, 2024 at Excela Health Hospital, Greensburg, PA after a valiant battle with cancer. Donna was born on May 1, 1957, the youngest child of the late William R. and Frances M. (Bandemer) Connors who died October 14, 1996 and April 23, 2019, respectively. Donna was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist R.C. Church in Scottdale, PA. She was a graduate of Geibel Catholic High School, in Connellsville, PA where she met and married the love of her life, Andrew J. "Andy" Smith, on February 8, 1975. Donna and Andy were partners in both life and love—remodeling two homes together, taking regular trips to Cape May, NJ with their family, hosting many holiday gatherings at their home over the years and celebrating 42 years of marriage one month before Andy was called home on March 26, 2017. Donna dedicated many years to caring for her family. She could always be found baking in her beautiful kitchen or leaning over her sewing machine peering with a thoughtful eye at the next project on her sewing room table. Her creativeness knew no bounds as she designed and brought to life so many things for others: Easter outfits for her children, curtains and pillows to match their bedrooms, many fantastic Halloween costumes, cushions for the pool deck furniture, years of terry-cloth swim towels as her children grew, Roman shades for her large kitchen windows, handbags, dresses, prom gowns, wedding gowns and even baptismal gowns for her grandchildren years later. When her children were in school, Donna joined the office staff of podiatry specialist and dear family friend, Timothy J. Kowalczyk, DPM. She later opened her own business, Sewing and Alterations of All Kinds, and continued her passion of helping others through sewing. Donna also provided her sewing services through friendship and collaboration with Ms. Neisy Culler of the Scottdale Laundromat. Donna dedicated her life to her family, her grandchildren, her many friends and loved ones. She is survived by her loving children: Michele Werder and husband Fritz of Lititz, PA; Jeffrey Smith and wife Samantha of Brookline, PA; and Brian Smith of Scottdale, PA. Her four Adoring Grandchildren: Brittany McCormack of Scottdale, PA; Riley Smith and Teressa Smith, both of Mt. Pleasant, PA; and Cameron Werder, of Lititz, PA. Her Great Grandchild: Logan Valle of Scottdale, PA. Her Dear Siblings: Her Sister: Darlene Daniels of Mt. Pleasant, PA; Her Sister-in-Law: Peg Miller Connors of Connellsville, PA; Her Brothers-in-Law: Joseph Garsteck of Mt. Pleasant, PA and Joseph Prudente of Parrish, FL. Her In-Laws: John J. Smith and wife Susan of Bordentown, NJ and Nancy Smith and husband Keith Firestone of Connellsville, PA. In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by: Her Husband of 42 years, Andrew J. “Andy” Smith, whom she married on February 8, 1975. (March 26, 2017) Her Sisters: Roberta Connors Garsteck (January 30, 1981) and Barbara “Babs” Connors Prudente (September 24, 2020); Her two Brothers: Dennis Connors (July 16, 1976) and Vincent Connors (January 17, 2014); Her Brother-in-Law: Kenneth Daniels (September 21, 2015); Her Nephew: Brook Garsteck (May 28, 2024); and Her Mother-in-Law and Father-in-Law: John J. and Sarah “Sally” White Smith (December 10, 1984 and January 17, 1983, respectively). Family and Friends of Donna are cordially invited to the Frank Kapr Funeral Home, Inc., 417 Pittsburgh Street, Scottdale, PA on Monday, December 2, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. where Parting Prayers will be held on Tuesday December 3,2024 at 10:30 a.m. with her Funeral Mass to follow at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, Scottdale,Pa. with The Very Rev. Paul A. Lisik, V.F. as Celebrant. Donna’s family will be forever grateful to all who have offered support and condolences during her courageous battle with cancer and during this difficult time. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family suggests that with gratitude, memorial contributions be directed to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/) or ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/) organizations in her memory. Donna cared for many beloved dogs and cats during her lifetime. They were more than pets to her; they were also her family. Donna touched so many lives in the years she shared with all of us. Though we wish there were more, we cherish every moment we had with her. She will always be with us and remembered for her unwavering love, compassion, and the indelible mark she left on all who knew her. She was so special and she will be deeply missed and forever loved. The Funeral Home Doors will be locked in between visiting hours. If you wish to leave an online condolence or obtain directions, please visit www.kapr.com

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