Obituary of Donna VanHarken

Donna R. VanHarken, age 88, of Fairport, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. Donna was a vibrant and caring woman, known for her kindness, energetic spirit and beautiful, contagious smile.

Donna was born in Rochester, NY, to Garrett and Alice Stam, the 3rd of 8 children. She graduated from Rochester Christian School and Brighton High School. She attended Roberts Wesleyan College until she married her “one true love,” her handsome soldier, Herbert. Together they built a home in Fairport, where they raised their 5 children. Eventually, when her children were older, Donna returned to college and graduated from Alfred University with her RN, BSN. She pursued her nursing career working at Rochester General Hospital and later, worked in community nursing in Rochester.

Donna was a dedicated and loving wife and mother and an amazing grandmother who was dearly loved. However, her love and care reached far beyond her family and friends. Not only had she and her husband fostered children, but Donna became involved in Missions through her church, New Covenant. She was a woman of great compassion. She used her nursing experience as a hospice volunteer and also to serve those in need in the Philippines, Albania, Mexico and China, sharing the love of Christ wherever she was.

Donna was always ready for adventure. One of her great passions was her horses. If you knew Donna, there is no doubt you were invited to go horseback riding. She was always encouraging her grandchildren to ride, offering lessons and involvement in 4-H. During the summers you could find Donna at horse shows; competing or watching her daughter or granddaughters compete. She once enjoyed camping in Virginia with her sister Alice and her horses, riding the trails there. It was very important to Donna to share her love and knowledge of horses with her family, a beautiful legacy.

Predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, Herbert P. VanHarken and their son, Peter W. VanHarken; She leaves behind their children: Allison D. Baker; Herbert J. VanHarken; Sally A. VanHarken; Dean R. (Nicole) VanHarken; grandchildren: Brandon, and William (Brittany) VanHarken, their mother, Sherry Davidson, Dawn VanHarken, Hailey Robinson, John VanHarken, their mother, Karen VanHarken, Marah (David) Scott, Dr. Briana Cappiello, Elysse Cappiello, Giana Trubia, Liliana VanHarken; great-grandchildren: Devin VanHarken, Olivia, and Claire VanHarken, Jordan, and Nicole Grace Noel, Jackson, Adrian, and Charlotte Scott, Olive Danizio; her beloved pets: puppy, Meg and horse, Mr. Tara Leo.

Donna is further survived by her siblings: Dr. Richard Stam of NM, Alice Ford of NC, Ruth (Will) Coe of CA, and George (Gretchen) Stam of NY as well as her beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Donna was also preceded in death by her parents, Garrett and Alice Stam; brothers: Garth (Jean) Stam, Garrett (Sally) Stam, John Stam, and sister-in-law, Elaine Stam; her parents-in-law, Peter and Florence VanHarken; brothers-in-law: Walter (Cora) VanHarken, Robert (Marilyn) VanHarken; sisters-in-law: Florence Ruth (Ralph) Arnold, Doris (Walter) Froniear; grandchildren: Kristal Brewer and Marc Cappiello.  

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, November 16th, 2024 at 11am; New Covenant Fellowship, 1350 Five Mile Line Rd., Penfield, NY 14526.  Interment will follow; 2:00pm at Oakwood Cemetery, 1975 Baird Rd., Penfield, 14526.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Elijah Streams – water projects, in memory of Donna at https://elijahstreams.com/wells   Donations will fund the drilling of wells to supply clean drinking water for those in need.