Donna C. Deist Elias

It is with a heavy heart and with great honors that we celebrate the life of Donna C. Deist Elias, who passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Winter Haven, FL at the age of 85. As we say goodbye, we will carry Donna’s memory with us and continue to spread the love she so freely gave and take comfort in knowing she is at peace in the loving arms of the Lord. Donna was an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and friend.

Donna was a natural caretaker who worked as a nurse for most of her adult life before retiring to FL. She was a “snow bird” who enjoyed her summers at the family campground, Holiday Camplands in Andover, OH. She was a part of the Red Hatters Association and enjoyed regular gatherings with a close group of girlfriends sipping her favorite wine and playing games. She loved traveling and experiencing different cultures and cuisines. Donna’s happiest moments of her life were when her family was gathered together.

Donna was preceded in death by her loving parents, Catherine Loring Biggs and James Biggs, her late husband, Lewis Elias, Jr., and her granddaughter Cynthia Deist. Left behind to cherish her memory are countless friends and family including her fiancé William Turner, her children: John Deist, Gale Hintenach (Andrew), James Deist, Jed Deist, Ganene Sterrett, and IIona Saraceno (Mark), her six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.

Donna enriched the lives of all who knew her. She was strong, nurturing, and compassionate. She was loved beyond measure and will be sincerely missed.

Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd., Erie, PA 16506 on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 2 pm until 4 pm and 5 pm until 7 pm.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Wales Cemetery