Dona Jean Urey

Dona Jean Urey, 82, Sandy Lake, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, surrounded by her loving family after a short illness. Born Feb. 29, 1936, in the home of her grandmother, Sandy Lake Township, she was the beloved twin daughter of the late James Harrison and Dorothy Piel Harrison Gildersleeve. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, James Lawrence Urey on September 27, 1958. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Lawrence (Clem) survives at home. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three children: COL (R) Ronda Urey and her husband, Edward Rios, Carlisle, PA; Steven and his wife, Shelby, Sandy Lake and Karen Shaw and her husband, Gary, Sandy Lake. She is also survived by her grandson Ryan Rios and five step-grandchildren: Dustin Shaw (Ashley), Garrett Shaw (Samantha) as well as Jennie San Nicolas, Shirrie Serrioz (Mark), and Millie Hannah. Also left to cherish her memory is her twin sister, Dana Jane and her husband Carl (Dick) Marsteller, with whom she shared a special bond. Additional survivors include her step-brother Ronald Gildersleeve (Rita) as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Finally, her dog Maggie is left at home to take care of Lawrence and the Swamp. In addition to her parents, her step-father, Wilbur Gildersleeve, preceded her in death. Dona was a 1954 graduate of Sandy Lake High School. She went on to attend the Stenotype Institute of Pittsburgh. After graduation, she worked as an executive secretary at Chicago Bridge and Iron, Greenville. Later, she also worked at a local Dairy Isle. Dona valued her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother above all else. She considered it to be her greatest accomplishment to raise respectful, loving, and compassionate adults. Her philosophy of firm guidance delivered with loving kindness shaped not only the lives of her children but of her grandchildren, especially grandson Ryan who was her special “Sunshine.” Dona was known for her devotion to her family by remembering each and every special occasion and celebration. Her “little black book” was the source of every day’s activities. She was the financial manager and record keeper for the family and put these skills to good use in the running of the family business—that of raising her children. She will be remembered for her loving respect for all living beings, but especially of her dogs, cats, and of the birds that she fed. She recognized and named her hummingbirds, orioles, and cardinals. She loved to garden and mow the grass, or do anything that took her outside. Dona will also be remembered for her hospitality and her excellent home-cooked meals that often included home-canned green beans and special sides for each person. Though she was raised in Sandy Lake, Dona embraced and loved her life in Urey Swamp, where she could sit on the porch swing and “watch the world go by.” Many a friendship was cemented on that front porch with a glass of Dona’s home-made iced tea. Dona lived her life fully up until her last day by doing the things she loved and spending time with those whom she loved the best. Though she left the world much too soon, she left a lasting legacy for all who knew her. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 5 in the Black Funeral Home, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 6, at the funeral home, with friend and neighbor, Chuck Mowry, officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Sandy Lake. The family would like to thank the staff at the Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Intensive Care Unit for their exceptional and loving care of their beloved wife and mother. Please visit www.blackfuneralhomes.net for more information to leave a note of condolence.

Visitation
Friday, October 5, 2018
2:00 - 4:00pm (Eastern time)
Rose and Black Funeral Home - Stoneboro
99 Franklin St., Stoneboro, PA 16153

Visitation
Friday, October 5, 2018
6:00 - 8:00pm (Eastern time)
Rose and Black Funeral Home - Stoneboro
99 Franklin St., Stoneboro, PA 16153

Service
Saturday, October 6, 2018
2:00 - 3:00pm (Eastern time)
Rose and Black Funeral Home - Stoneboro
99 Franklin St., Stoneboro, PA 16153

Cemetery

Oak Hill Cemetery
Stoneboro, PA

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