Obituaries

Jeanne Marie Donley, 95

July 05, 2018

Jeanne Marie (Humpf) Donley, of Mennonite Home, passed away on July 5, 2018, at the age of 95.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Walter Donley in 1992, and a baby sister, MaryEllen, as well as her late parents, Edward Henry Humpf and Mary Edna (Seber) Humpf, and her brother “Eddie”. She is survived by seven children; Eileen Marie Kropf, partner of Steven Zweifach, Elizabethtown; Michael Edward Donley, Lancaster; Constance Marie Donley, Roseville, CA; her twin brother Thomas Earl Donley, husband of Earlene Donley, Hillsboro, Oregon; Mariellen Payne, wife of David Payne, Lititz; Patrick Joseph Donley, husband of Denise Donley, Lancaster; and Theresa Marie Wagner, wife of Gary Wagner, Lancaster.
Grandchildren include Jaunine Fouché, Susan Ellis, Lisa Marie Hammons, Judith Ann Stone, Casey Donley, Brett Donley, Sharon Jeanne Caine, Jamie Lynn Hodges, Galen Payne, Sara Lattanzio, Jessica Eileen Lehman, Shane Patrick Donley, Rebekah Kathleen Donley, Amy Christine Danz, Ryan Andrew Danz, plus Great-Grandchildren Hannah Marie Fouché, Andrew Fouché, Dalton Zachary and Brody Ellis, Faith Ann, Joy Constance and Christian Gerald Stone, Logan Marie and Lea Douglas, Izahk Mitchell and Jaelynn Hodges, Elijah Moyer and Brielle Dunn, Sage and Willow Payne, Harry, Dominic, and Claire Marie Lattanzio, Kaleb and Kaden Donley.
A lifelong Lancastrian, she grew up at 522 W. Frederick Street, and raised her family of seven children at 518 W. Frederick Street.

A lifetime member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, she graduated from Sacred Heart Parochial School and Lancaster Catholic High School in 1941. She was the first musician honored by LCHS with its highest honor, The Alumni Citation for Service to Humanity, presented in April 2005, which coincided with the 40th Anniversary of the Lancaster County Youth Symphony, which she co-founded in 1965.

An active pianist and soprano all of her life, she received a music scholarship to Dunbarton College in Washington, D.C., and taught piano for 50 years.

Her debut in singing began at the age of 5 in St. Anthony’s School auditorium, singing between curtain calls for a late 1920’s minstrel show, where her two uncles, Herman and William Seber, were performers.

As a child, she studied piano, voice, elocution and dance, and along with her brother, Eddie Humpf, a future big band leader, was heard on Lancaster radio station WKJZ at the age of 6. The brother and sister duo were original members of Aunt Kit’s Children’s Hour each Sunday. In later years they had their own show.

Her musical training began with the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her dance and elocution training was under Alicia Sterling Rush. Later teachers included Gertrude Leachey and Dr. Earle Echternach, concert pianist teacher who studied with French composer and pianist, Isadore Phillipe. Vocal studies at this time were with Carolyn Diller Dengler, of the Philadelphia Academy of Music. She attended Franklin & Marshall College studying languages. Her church music career began as a member of the Children’s Choir of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at a time when funerals and Masses of celebration were sung in Latin.
A member and soloist in the senior choir at Sacred Heart Church, she later served as organist there for over thirty years. She played organ for other churches too including St. Mary’s, St. Anthony’s, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Churches.

Since 1968 she has served in many capacities of the Board of Directors Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs. For her term as President of PFMC, she chose the theme: “one of God’s greatest gifts is music…share it”.

She has adjudicated for PFMC Music Festivals.

She was a longtime member of Musical Art Society of Lancaster. A member of Junior Musical Art Society in her school years, she became President of the senior group, Musical Art Society in 1964 and during her reign, men were accepted as members and Dr. Robert Humphreville was Musical Art Society’s first male baritone and performing member.
A former Notary Public, she served as legal secretary for ten years with the law firm of Golin, Haefner and Bacher. She also belonged to Lancaster County Legal Secretaries Association.
She also served as administrative assistant when Dr. Otis D. Kitchen began the annual summer music camp at Elizabethtown College. Originally named “Youth Symphony Camp”, it was later called “Lancaster County Music Camp” and continues annually in July.
She retained the title of Administrator of Lancaster County Youth Symphony and Lancaster County Junior Orchestra from the time she founded it in 1965 until her resignation some 45 years later in 2010.
She also received from Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs, its highest honor, The Keystone Salute.

For a period of many years prior to her death, “Three for Coffee”, a trio of musicians, that included Donley, Arthur and Tana Pratt, entertained organizations. During this same time period and well into her late 80’s, Donley and Lewis Hosfeld, multi-instrumentalist, performed seasonal concerts for many groups, including Musical Art Society.
Donley is also one of the original founding board members of Children’s Miracle Network, Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
She and her husband, Earl, were active campers with the Holiday Ramblers for many years. They were avid fans of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies.

Many years after her husband’s death, she and Francis Ziegler, another Lancastrian, were steadfast companions and Donley enjoyed a unique and lasting relationship with the Ziegler Family until the time of her passing. Her favorite color was pink.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, July 13, 2018 at 11AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church 558 W. Walnut St. Lancaster, PA 17603 with The Rev. Michael Culkin, as Celebrant, and The Rev. Michael Messner, The Rev. Allan Wolfe, and The Rev. Msgr. Richard Youtz, as Concelebrants.

Viewings will be held Thursday evening from 6PM-9PM, with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 8pm at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pike and again at Sacred Heart Friday morning from 10AM-11AM. Interment will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Monday, July 16 at 1PM. Friends and family may meet at 11:30AM at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory to process to the burial. Memorial contributions may be made to Lancaster Catholic High School c/o The Music Department 650 Juliette Ave. Lancaster, PA 17601.

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Condolences to the Family

September 03, 2018

Patrick,
How sad I was to see your Mother’s obituary. I still member seeing you and her at my own mother’s viewing just 3 years ago. I fondly remember the many Christmas mornings over many years that our family made a visit to you and your home. Santa always seemed to leave something under the tree for you! My prayer are with you and your family as we all remember and celebrate your Mother’s life-lived-large. I know she is seranading all the heavly souls. Blessings be with you and your family. Peg O’Neill

July 20, 2018

Connie.
Very sorry and saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. I will always remember her from our Sacred Heart days. She was a joy to wait at the Post Office. she always had a smile and a great laugh. Keep the memories close to your heart and she will always be with you!

July 15, 2018

Jeanne Marie loved music and young people and dedicated her life to both! As conductor of the Lancaster County Junior Orchestra for several years, I observed her endless enthusiasm for those young musicians of the orchestra and their families. My sympathies to her family and friends. – Ellen Eager

July 14, 2018

A beautiful obituary for a beautiful, kind Lady. My prayers go out to your entire family.
Josie (Ransing) Rice

July 09, 2018

I received this notice from my mom just before my concert at the Colorado Music Festival this evening. I know that she was probably watching and hope that she enjoyed the concert. Mrs. Donley was there nearly from the beginning of my musical career and has always held a very special place in my heart. As a member of the Lancaster Youth Symphony and the Youth Wind Ensemble under Otis Kitchen, musical opportunities began to open for me and it always seemed that Mrs. Donley was there to support me. She attended my wedding, was there when I was inducted into my high school hall of fame and any time I performed in the area. Countless young musicians in Lancaster County found a place to learn and grow because of Mrs. Donley’s tireless work. Her impact on us and on the cultural life of the area is indelible. As she listens to the heavenly orchestra play her favorite music, she continues to make music here through us. Rest in peace dear friend.
Eric Berlin

July 09, 2018

God has gotten one special angel! This gracious, kind, caring, generous soul has been a blessing to so many. For us as parents of a talented young musician, she helped us feel much more secure with her help in the musical world of Lancaster County. She remained a friend well after those early years.
What huge empty shoes she left which will take many more than one person to fill.
May God’s loving arms surround all of you in her family as you grieve your loss and celebrate a life well lived and shared. How grateful we are to have known her.
Dianne and Gary Berlin
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July 09, 2018

So many memories of seeing Mrs. Donley up at the organ playing beautiful music at Sacred Heart Church. We Simpsons send our condolences. Susan Simpson Brown

July 09, 2018

So Sorry for the lost or Your Mother/Grandmother She was a Lovely Lady Hugs to all Linda Baisch

July 09, 2018

My extremely fond memories of Mrs. Donley go back to the late 70’s when I was a student involved in the Lancaster Youth Symphony. A few years later I was involved with helping her with auditions and logistics for the Youth Symphony, and had the awesome opportunity to see her many, many more times at Lancaster Catholic Music Department events. I will never forget her infectious smile, laugh, and the most loving and encouraging words that she had for me EVERY time I would see her. I will also cherish the many hand-written notes that she sent me over the years. Mrs. Donley has influenced HUNDREDS of young musicians throughout her many years and has truly earned her title of The Queen of MUSIC for Lancaster County. When she moved to the Mennonite Home, she asked her children to donate her piano to Lancaster Catholic. It is so fitting that her own personal piano will now be used to influence many more students throughout the next several years. Mrs. Donley was so proud to call herself a “41 grad of LCHS, but it is LCHS that is SO PROUD to call her a graduate. Once again, I will never forget how good she was to me over the years. I can hear her laugh now as I am typing this message. THANK YOU Mrs. Donley for ALL you’ve done for me and countless others over the years…….and for your extraordinary friendship.
To the Donley Family…….Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will be sure to keep your Mom’s memory alive at LCHS.

Tony Brill – LCHS Class of ’80

July 08, 2018

Eileen you and your family are in our prayers. We love you and wish you peace. What an amazing life your Mom had, and what a loving and giving daughter she created. Love Nicole Lewis-Keeber and your Dot Sisters

July 08, 2018

I grew up playing in Lancaster County Youth Symphony with Mrs. Donley at the helm. I can’t even begin to guess the number of young musicians lives she touched over the years. She always had a smile and encouraging words. I had the good fortune to perform with her a few times at Musical Arts Society concerts. Her musical talents were just as abundant as her tireless energy and love for promoting it. As a professional musician it was always a wonderful treat to see her in the audience at performances. She NEVER seemed to age, and was always the last person to leave the concert hall, making sure to find and speak to me and many others who were her “kids”. I wish I could have personally thanked her for doing so much for so many of us one last time. She will be missed. She had a love of music, life, and people that was infectious. I hope her family and friends know how much we all thank them for sharing her with us. My sincere sympathy for your loss.
Jeff O’Donnell

July 08, 2018

Sorry to hear of her passing, she was one of my Mom’s greatest friends. Great involved Lancastrians like her helped shape the musical culture in Lancaster. God bless you all, Dave Humphreville

July 08, 2018

To Jessica and Family, So sorry for your loss of such a wonderful woman. I still remember watching her as she crossed the parking lot on her weekly trip to have her hair done (always using the pedistrian crosswalk); then afterwards walking into the post office (next door) for stamps. Her laughter would light up everyone in the lobby! She was an amazing lady. Goodbye Mrs. Donley.
Debra Miller

July 08, 2018

This is very fitting the most beautiful obituary I have ever read. To all the Donley families you cpuld not have been more blessed.
With sympathy,
Bill Semmems

July 08, 2018

I am saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend and colleague Jean Marie Donely who was an icon and touched countless lives during her lifetime. Her legacy will live on. Otis Kitchen

July 08, 2018

My condolences to the family of this wonderful woman. She was always always pleasant. She was Mrs. Donley to me.
Terry Buhay

July 08, 2018

So sorry for your loss, she was a very nice lady.
Brian Quigley

Visitation: Thursday, July 12, 2018; 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
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Visitation: Friday, July 13, 2018; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church; 558 W. Walnut St.; Lancaster, PA
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Services: Friday, July 13, 2018; 11:00 AM; Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church; 558 W. Walnut St.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >