Donna Rae Minch

Donna Rae Minch

Donna Rae Minch

December 04, 1934~April 06, 2021

Donna Rae Gilbert Minch entered God’s kingdom on April 6, 2021. She was predeceased by her husband, Willis L. Minch; mother, Rachel Lattin Gilbert; father, Franklin Gilbert; her siblings, Lester Gilbert, Sylvia Liotino, Frank Gilbert, and Jacqueline Minotti. She is survived by her daughters, Karen (Mike) Foley, Jayne (Anthony) Marino, Marilyn (Richard, Jr.) Schornstheimer, and Manda Minch; her sisters, Mildred Weaver, Janet Usselman and Leona (Theodore) Farrell; and her adoring grandchildren, Rachael and Sarah Marino, Zeke Minch Schornstheimer, and Summer and AJ Minch; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends.

Donna was born in Enfield, NY, and moved to Elmira, NY in her youth. She graduated from Southside High School, where she played and excelled in every sport. Donna was immensely proud of being a Southside Green Hornet. Donna loved being outdoors and baseball was her passion. Donna’s first job was at Dunn Field (Pioneer Baseball) in Elmira, where she met her husband, Will. Donna also worked at Thatcher Glass as a Stenographer.

Donna and Will married in 1957, and together they raised their daughters in a home filled with love.

Donna was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where she was a former Chairman of the Parish Festival. Her efforts contributed to the building of the Parish Center. Donna taught physical education for many years at Our Lady of Lourdes School where she helped to organize the local chapter of the CYO sports league. She coached Kickball, Cheerleading, and Cinderella Softball. She was a former member of the West Elmira Volunteer Fire Department’s Women’s Auxiliary. She was the former proprietor of Minch’s Bridge Liquor Store in West Elmira.

During her lifetime, Donna also found a passion for golf. She fell in love with the game, and her athleticism allowed her to master it. In retirement, Donna lived in Myrtle Beach, SC, Venice, FL, and Palm Harbor, FL where she enjoyed golfing, great friends, and a good game of euchre. Once her golfing days were behind her, Donna resided for a short time at Mease Manor in Dunedin, FL where new friends embraced her. It was easy to love Donna. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother (Grammie) who is missed by her family, and by all those whose lives she touched.

Calling hours 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on 05/10/2021 at McInerny Funeral Home www.mcinernyfh.com with a Mass to celebrate Donna’s life at 10:30 a.m. on 05/11/2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Elmira, NY. Interment immediately following at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery. www.ssppcemetery.org

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna’s memory may be made to The Arthritis Foundation www.arthirits.org, Suncoast Hospice Foundation www.suncoasthospicefoundation.org or simply plant a tree for her love of the outdoors. And, as Donna would say, “Batter up ~ Go Rays!”

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Memories of Donna Rae Minch

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Condolence

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April 12, 2021, 4:38 pm

Our deepest Sympathy to the Minch family on the loss of your Mother! We always enjoyed her visits back to Elmira after she moved away. May you rest in Peace Donna! Cathy and Dick Seely

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April 15, 2021, 7:07 am

I have the fondest memories of Mrs. Minch and her family as our next-door neighbours. It seemed like every single day she would be outside with all of us kids playing kickball and other games. Or, we were invited inside her home to play in a loving environment where she offered the best snacks! (Funny what we remember.)

Then, Mrs. Minch became our phys ed teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes elementary school in the 1960s. She made gym class so fun, and she had us outdoors all of the time because the school did not have a gymnasium.

One summer, when I was about 11 years old (with my brother and sister and the Minch kids, all of whom are younger than me 😊), she and my mom (Alice Bartholomew) took all of us on picnics every single day of the summer. We traveled to either Watkins Glen State Park (the Olympic pool !!) or Havana Glen (natural pool). Every day!

I remember asking my mom some years later why we went on so many picnics. She explained that both Mrs. Minch and she knew that their kids were growing up too fast. So, they took us on picnics every single day. Best summer of my life.

Alison Stachowski Callahan

April 21, 2021, 11:31 am

Hoping the many memories and the caring of others will help you during this time. So sorry for your loss.

Mary Biroscak Symes

April 21, 2021, 4:31 pm

I have the best memories of Donna from Our Lady of Lourdes’ athletic programs back in the ‘60s. She made Phys. Ed. so much fun – even in the Convent basement! (We had no gym) And Kickball was so very well coached. God bless Donna Minch! ♥️

Patti (Mathew) Pestke

April 25, 2021, 11:13 am

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of growing up when your mom was our gym teacher with classes held in the convent basement and when she coached our kickball team. I hope your memories will comfort you in this sad time.

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