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"Paul Loves Donna Forever" -- to some, simply a slogan. Just text on the front of a truck. To them, an objective. After more than six decades: commitment fulfilled.
Donna J. McCloskey (Hanley) passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 20, 2026. She reunites in Heaven with her husband, Paul E. McCloskey, Sr., whom she shared a marriage with since Jan. 4, 1964.
She is survived by her sister Susan (George) Baney; her children, Brenda McCloskey Lowery, Paul (Shelli) McCloskey, Jr. and Jeffrey (Bobbie Jo) McCloskey; her grandchildren, Brian Lowery, Jr., Danielle (Joey) Sankey, Brett (Kirstin) McCloskey, Trisha (Shane) Farley, Seth (Tori Ritenour) Lowery, Hayley (Brandon Kissell) Berry, Jordan McCloskey and Tyler (Brandy) McCloskey; her great-grandchildren, Hunter Lowery, Sydney Sankey, Charlotte McCloskey, Violet McCloskey, Kensingston Berry, Benson Berry, Estella Beury, Isabella Beury and Eleanor Kissell.
Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Hanley.
Donna was born in Lock Haven, Pa., on Aug. 7, 1948 to Weldon and Miriam (Hevner) Hanley. She attended Lock Haven High School until meeting Paul, getting married and becoming a mother at age 15.
Motherhood then forever became her primary focus and role. She was the ying to Paul's yang and nothing made her more content. They were truly best friends in love. She honestly would have been fine just staying home, attending the Monument Church of Christ and only ever "going down the line" for groceries as needed -- sometimes even when they didn't quite need them yet.
However, she did pick up "real" work later in life. Her first job was as a caregiver and she loved it. She then became a bartender at the Beech Creek American Legion. Following that she worked as a prep cook: first at the Furst Corner Restaurant in Beech Creek and then lastly at the Creekside Restaurant in Mill Hall.
She lived life by the four P's: Paul, pretzels, Pepsi and puzzles. Word finds were her favorite and she loved to snack while doing them. Bingo at the fire halls, her Yahtzee hand held, Solitaire on the computer and watching the Game Show Network were a few other activities she enjoyed.
In most recent years, she truly appreciated all the time spent with her caretakers Tori Ritenour and Michelle Page.
Last but certainly not least, she never turned down any opportunity to watch her grand-furbabies. She loved those pets -- especially feeding them human food when she was told not to.
She is the matriarch of the family. The one who started it all. Nothing more did she want than for good health and happiness for each in her family. Nothing more did she dislike than when there was conflict amongst her family. She was the mediator. She was the phone call. She was the ride. She was the meal. She was the safe space. Jokes were often made about favorites but her only favorite was love -- that unconditional kind. A caring wife, mother, daughter, sibling, relative and friend whose smile will be deeply missed.
A public viewing will be held on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, from 5-7 p.m., at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 135 W. Main St., Howard. An additional viewing will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with Speaker Joseph Mood officiating. Burial services will immediately follow at Hays-Fearon Cemetery in Beech Creek.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com