She was born on November 18, 1931, in Canton, Ohio, to the late James and Matilda (Reigel) Moorehouse. Donna married Murray Brandenburg on September 23, 1950, in Indiana, and they had a very special love story. Their devotion to each other over 73 years of marriage remains an inspiration to her family. She was an area homemaker her entire life and was extremely generous with her love toward family and friends alike. Her determination, loving nature, and giving spirit served as a glowing example of living a life to the fullest. In her younger years, Donna was active in the Order of the Eastern Star, Delta Chapter #539 in Canton and obtained the status of Worthy High Priestess during the 1960s.
Family was a top priority for Donna, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She was an avid card player—Bridge and Euchre were her favorites—and she was very competitive during these games. She had a special place in her heart for dogs and absolutely loved spending time with her own dogs. Donna was a huge sports fan and cheered on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Indians/Guardians but her favorite team was The Ohio State Buckeyes. Both she and her husband, Murray, were avid golfers playing on courses throughout the United States and Europe. After moving to Mansfield, they became members of Westbrook Country Club where she was a member of the 18 Holers and served as both President and Past President of the group.
Donna is survived by two children, John “Jack” (Karen) Brandenburg and Debra (Brent) Bechtol; six grandchildren, Bryan (Allison) Brandenburg, Rhett (Carrie) Brandenburg, Marissa (Vincent) Gubin, Mark (Brittany) Bechtol, John (Bobbie) Brandenburg and Paige (Mike) Stafford; eleven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Jimmy (Tina) Moorehouse, Leslie, Marty and Lisa Martinez, and Anne Ashby; and several other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Murray Brandenburg; a brother, John (Elvera) Moorehouse; a sister, Alice Martinez; and a sister-in-law, Barb (Robert) Ashby.
The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 pm. She will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park. Honoring Donna’s love of dogs, memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Dog Shelter.
