December 24, 1938 – October 18, 2024
Born in Orrington, Maine to Cora and Louis Gerard, Donna was a devout Catholic and had one younger brother, James Gerard.
Donna met and married Edwin DeWitt Van Arsdale in 1957 while Ed was stationed at Loring AFB and they soon started their family of five children.
Donna was preceded in death by her infant son, James, mother, Cora, brother, James, father, Louis, husband, Ed, and daughters, Theresa Caine and Mary Barnes.
Donna is survived by her sons, Steven (Tammy) Van Arsdale and Mark Van Arsdale, seven dearly loved grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. Donna is also survived by several nieces, nephews, other family members, and dear friends.
Donna was a devoted wife, mother and Nana providing everyone with a loving environment and was an excellent role model. There was never a cross word and she always provided positive encouragement. She was always a joy to be around and will be greatly missed.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 401 Van Pelt Ln, Pensacola, FL, on October 29, 2024 at 1:00 pm. There will be a brief visitation 30 minutes prior to Mass.
