Donna Jean McVay

Donna Jean McVay passed away peacefully on June 6, 2023 at the age of 94, at The Hospice House, in Boardman, OH. Donna was born on February 4, 1929 in East Liverpool to the late John E. and Mable (Brittain) Smith. She was a dedicated Elementary school teacher for 30 years, spending her last years teaching in the Beaver Local school system, retiring in 1984. 

Donna was an active member of Longs Run Trinity Presbyterian Church.  She had many interests including sewing and quilting, both at home and at church.  She also enjoyed playing in the Hoges Ladies Golf League.  Donna was still very active in her later years.   She enjoyed making birthday cards and jump ropes for children along with keeping in contact with her large family.  Donna demonstrated her love for others through her actions as she enjoyed being of service to those who needed her.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughter Patricia (Gary) Garland, of Poland, OH; and son David (Christine) McVay, of Loveland, OH;  grandchildren: James (Amy) Garland,  Michael (Amy) Garland, Adam (Connie) McVay, Timothy (Laura) McVay, Stephen (Jennifer) McVay, and Robert (Emily) McVay, as well as 18 great-grandchildren;  Also surviving are her brothers: Wilson Smith, and Robert (Kay) Smith; sisters: Betty Opiela,  Dorothy (Norman) Reynolds, and Marilyn (Dan) Stambaugh, along with her special friends Michael “Mick”, Carol and Alan Bowler and Natalie Taylor. 

Along with her parents, Donna is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Robert L. McVay; her son, Gary R. McVay; one sister, Pauline Pickering, and two brothers Harry Smith and Warren Smith; and her sisters-in-law, Betty Smith, and Mary Smith. 

Donna’s family and friends will always remember her as a loving and caring person who lived a life full of purpose and meaning. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held from 5PM-7PM, Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Care Funeral & Cremation Specialists- Martin Chapel, in Calcutta.  The funeral will be held at 1PM on Friday, June 9, 2023 with visitation from 12PM until time of service.  Donna will be laid to rest  in Columbiana County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations made in her honor to The Blackburn House at 6 Botsford Street,  Poland Ohio 44514.