Donna J. Coursen

Donna June Coursen, 81, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026.  Born July 28, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Donna was a daughter of the late Harry and Helen (Ward) Speer.  Donna spent her childhood in Centre County, a place she grew to love deeply and would serve throughout her life.

A devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend, Donna built her life around caring for others.  She is survived by her husband, Jack; her daughter, Tara Tomrell; her brother, Harry Speer; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Coursen; and her sister-in-law, Ging Zeoli (Bob).  She was the proud grandmother of Logan Coursen (Brittany), Hailey Coursen, Ellie Coursen, Jackson Tomrell, Nathan Tomrell, and Hunter Tomrell, each of whom brought tremendous joy and pride into her life.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her loving sons, Thomas John “TJ” Coursen, William “Bill” Coursen and her father and mother-in-law, Ray and Ruth Coursen.

Donna dedicated her early professional life to teaching in the Bellefonte School District after earning a master’s degree at Penn State. She will be remembered for her kindness, patience, and unwavering belief in their potential.  Her love of reading, her talent for cooking, and her care and devotion shaped both her home and her classroom, leaving an enduring legacy of comfort and support.

After Donna left teaching in the public school system, she focused on assisting Jack with his heating and plumbing business.  Deeply committed to her community, Donna was an active member of the Centre Hall Women’s Club, Eastern Star, the Centre Hall Library Board, and Grace United Methodist Church.  She was also a proud supporter of the Penns Valley Hope Fund.

Donna will be remembered for her gentle heart, her steady presence, and the way she loved—quietly, generously, and without condition.  Her influence will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her. 

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Grace United Methodist Church in Centre Hall.  A Celebration of Life service in honor of Donna will follow at 6:00 pm.  Contributions in memory of Donna may be given to The Hope Fund of Penns Valley, POB 427, Centre Hall, PA 16828.  

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