Donna M. Whitford, 85, formerly of East Avenue and Constitution Avenue, went to be with her Lord in heaven, Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Pavilion at BRMC.
Born January 30, 1939, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late John M. Chartreau and Clara (Cicerello) Dibler. Donna was a 1954 graduate of Bradford High School.
On April 16, 1955, in St. Bernard Church, she married her soulmate James N. Whitford who preceded her in death on February 15, 2005.
Donna worked at Bradford Hospital for 12 years then began working at W.R. Case Cutlery until her retirement after 38 years of service.
Donna attended St. Bernard Church. She was a life member and Past President of the Francis Sherman Auxiliary, Life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, the Women of the Moose where she served as Senior Pilgrim, and College of Regents, Fireflies, Cootiette Club, Chief Greyback, Range Greyback, and Past Grand President three times of the Pennsylvania State Greybacks. She enjoyed bowling and volunteering at the United Way, Bradford Hospital, the American Red Cross and was a generous blood donor where she donated over 75 times for nearly 10 gallons of blood.
Donna was always extremely positive, no matter what the circumstances. She was a wonderful, caring and selfless individual who loved life and enjoyed her trips to Hawaii and California. She was a people-person with an infectious laugh and always welcomed those around her to make them feel comfortable and welcomed. She is best remembered by her family and friends for her “giggle” she had at the end of conversations and phone calls.
Surviving are three daughters, Marsha (Gary) Mellring, of Daytona Beach, FL. Janet (Fran) Bottone, and Tina Whitford, both of Bradford, four sons, Daniel (Rayette) Whitford, of Kailua,Oahu, HI, Robert (Georgi) Whitford, of Pollock Pines, CA, John Whitford, and Shawn Whitford, both of Bradford, nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one sister Sally McClinsey of North Tonawanda NY, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Jim of 49 years, two brothers, John E. Chartreau, and James "Frenchy" Chartreau.
Family will receive friends on Friday December 27, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue, at 1:00 pm funeral services will be held with Rev. Edward Walk, Associate Pastor of St. Bernard Church, officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com