Donna Jean Calhoun

Donna Jean (Gaffney) Calhoun, 77, of Mechanicsburg passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025 surrounded by love. Born in Harrisburg in 1947, Donna was a devoted mother, grandmother, and daughter known for her strength, caring and kindness. Preceded in death by her father, Styles Gaffney and her husband Jim Calhoun, she is lovingly remembered by her mother, Mrs. Styles (Doris Jean) Gaffney, her daughters Dori Bretz and Dana Weate, her step daughter Judy Calhoun (Cheryl), her stepson Bob Calhoun (Kathy), grandchildren Mitchell, Alexander, Morgan, Aaron, Abe, Mitch and Quentin, sisters Cathy Casey, Deb Boldosser (Ricky), Denice LeGay (Terry) and brother Styles (Micheal) Gaffney.

Donna was born and raised in Harrisburg. As the eldest by five years, she made sure her four siblings knew her years as an only child suited her fine. After attending Bishop McDevitt high school, her oldest daughter Dori born in 1964 and soon after little sister Dana came along. After a divorce, Donna moved to Boston and found the strength and energy while raising her two young daughters, one with special needs, to obtain her B.A, in Psychology in 1978 from University of Massachusetts and embark on a career in social work. In addition to motherhood, school and work, Donna also was able to make the time to participate in local theater productions in Boston. Her career eventually brought Donna back to the Harrisburg area specializing in oversight of group homes for the intellectually disabled. While back in Pennsylvania, Donna also worked on her master’s from Penn State in addition to continuing to act in local plays.

Donna married Jim in 2013, embarking on new adventures in retirement. She loved both art and music. She also loved her time with best friend Holly going out to eat and solving the problems of the world. Donna spent her final weeks at Homeland Center and her family wants to give a special thanks for their care and dedication.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2pm at Cremation Society of Pennsylvania, 4100 Jonestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17109. Contributions in Donna’s memory may be made to Homeland Center. 1901 N. Fifth St. Harrisburg, PA 17102.