Donna Jean Markum

Markum - Donna Jean, 86, of Arbutus Park Retirement Community, Richland Township, went to be with the Lord on April 26, 2023 at Arbutus Park Manor. She was born on August 28, 1936 in Geistown. Daughter of the late Earl M. Giffin, May 9, 1955 and Verona M. (Rhoads) Giffin, March 6, 1988. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Henry F. Markum, May 11, 2009, nephew, Craig B. Giffin, May 12, 2015, beloved brother, Jay E. Giffin, July 19, 2016, step son, James E. Markum, February 2, 2017, brother, Ronald C. Giffin, October 24, 2018; nephew Thomas E. Giffin, and. niece, Carolyn Lee Giffin.

Survived by her beloved sister-in-law Hilda C. Giffin, Charleston, WV; sister, Carolyn V. Giffin, GA., also survived by nieces, Kristi R. (Todd) Eilerman, Findlay, OH, and Charlene Giffin, Tire Hill, PA. She is also survived by 2 other nieces, 5 grandnieces; 3 grandnephews and 4 great grandnephews. Also survived by step-sons, Michael F. (Glenda) Markum, Salix, Richard H. (Debbie) Markum, Davidsville; daughter-in-law, Susan (Summers) Markum, Emporium, PA; grandson, Christopher James “CJ” Markum, Emporium, PA, and many additional step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Donna was a 1954 graduate of the former Adams-Summerhill High School, now known as Forest Hills High School, and kept in touch with all her classmates and had love for them all. She was a graduate of Cambria-Rowe Business College, Johnstown. Donna was a member of Evangelical United Brethren, Presbyterian, Catholic and United Methodist Churches in various cities of residence. She was a former member and past secretary of the Greater Johnstown Saddle Club. Donna retired as a telephone operator and secretary in the Communications, Real Estate-Property Taxes Department from Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Johnstown. She socialized with relatives and friends through conversation, card games, dominos and scrabble. One of her favorite pastimes was creating and making her own special birthday cards for relatives and friends. Donna also enjoyed swimming at the Johnstown YMCA and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. She produced and published Genealogical Books on the Rhoads, Giffin, and Markum Families and organized and promoted numerous family and class reunions. Donna never knew a stranger and was loved by all that knew her. Her love was unconditional, never failed and will go on forever. A special thank you to Roger and Bonnie Luther, Rick and Debbie Markum, Wayne Hillegas, and Frank and Linda “next door” for their caring and thoughtfulness. Also, thank you to a wonderful friend Wayne Hillegas for his loyal friendship. A heartfelt thanks to Rick Wilson and the staff at Arbutus Park Manor.

At Donna’s request, there will be no public viewing. Private burial will be at Richland Cemetery at the convenience of the family with the Rev. Jon L. Estes officiating. The family is being served by the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Contributions may be directed to Arbutus Park Manor, 207 Ottawa Street, Johnstown, PA 15904 in memory of Donna. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.