Doris E. Donley

Doris E. Donley, 102 years young of Schenectady, NY went home on February 7th after a brief illness. Surrounded by her family, loving prayers and support of many, she entered into eternal life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Doris was born January 2, 1924 in Oneonta, NY. She was the daughter of the late Bliss and Agnes Burton. As a young girl Doris loved being a part of the many activities on her family's farm. Her greatest love however, was school. Never happy to miss school because of heavy snow, the horses were harnessed, the soap stone heated, the sleigh hitched and off her dad would take her to school. Lest the entire family endure of Doris’ disappointment of not learning for a day. She graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1941, from Schenevus Central Schools. Attending Albany Teachers College, she graduated in 1945 with a license to follow her passion.

On March 29, 1947, Doris married the love of her live George Donley. Over the next 67 years they created a family and life that left the world a little brighter and better than when they entered it.

Doris’ teaching career spanned 40 years in a formal setting. The majority of her career was with the Guilderland Central Schools. She was a teacher at heart and naturally connected with and motivated those around her to love learning at any age. The greatest gift she taught her children over her lifetime was the gift of faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She loved making life a little brighter for each person she came in contact with.

Doris was a member of Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church for over 70 years. She was active in women’s groups and the annual Lord’s Acre Auction, where she and George would cook up the infamous Clam Chowder for many years.

Doris loved traveling and being a Florida ‘snowbird’ for 25 years. Spending six months in Florida and six months at their summer home on Ballston Lake. She made many wonderful friends, enjoyed square dancing, ceramics and traveling. Hanging up her ‘snowbird wings’, Doris lived independently at Kingsway Village for 12 years. She loved and adored the many friends, staff and activities that enhanced these years.

Doris is predeceased by her husband George, brother Donald (Dottie) Burton, sister Vera (Martin) Hait. Sister and brother-in-law Virginia (Stanley) Woodin. She is survived by her three children Bryan (Leslie) of Somerset, WI, Gayle (Bradley) Donahue of Sugar Grove, OH, and Suzanne (Frank) Pangie of Charlton, NY, 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 4 nieces. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend of many who will be dearly missed.

Doris cherished her many friendships created over the years at Kingsway Village, Hamilton Union Church, Guilderland, Rice Creek and Westford. Each holding a special place in her heart.

The family would like to thank the Community Hospice Staff and those at Ellis Hospital that supported Doris and her family as she moved on to be with her Heavenly Father.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 11th at Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church, 2291 Western Ave, Guilderland, NY. Calling will be at 9:00 am, Service at 10:00, followed by interment at Memory Gardens and closing with a celebration of life at the church to honor Doris.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church, 2291 Western Ave. Guilderland, NY 12084, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Hospitals for Children P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438.