Donna was born in Springfield, Ohio, on February 25, 1927 to Milton and Odessa Lough. Donna grew up in the area, living and attending school at the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home for Children. After graduation she pursued a career as a cosmetologist. She married the love of her life, Francis J. Ferber on November 20, 1948, and together they raised ten children.
Donna and Francis moved their large family to Orlando, Florida in 1966. Donna worked several jobs outside the home, but her greatest pleasure was caring for and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved cooking and decorating her home for the holidays. She especially enjoyed large family gatherings and would often say “The more the merrier!” when others would ask how she did it all.
Donna is preceded in death by her husband, Francis J. and their eldest son, Francis M. Ferber,
She is survived by her sister, Linda Hertzler of Mansfield, Ohio, her children; David (Denise) Ferber of Morganton, North Carolina, Vivian (Steve) Durkee, Joseph Ferber, Marilyn Ferber, Deborah (Glenn) Durkee, Diana Seal, Karen (Duane) Newman, Cynthia (Gerald) Beauchamp, all of Orlando, and Elizabeth (Micky) Null of Seffner, Florida. Donna also leaves twenty grandchildren and twenty-eight great grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 on August 17, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Orlando. Visitation will precede the mass starting at 11:00. A reception will follow the mass in the church hall. Graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park at 4:00.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Russell Home for Atypical Children in Orlando, Florida, at www.russellhome.org .
