IN MEMORIAM: Donna Jane Whitmore, 72; 

SUNY Oneonta Accountant For 30 Years

LAURENS – Donna Jane Whitmore of Laurens passed away peacefully on July 26th, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Oct 23, 1945 to Donald and Clara Scanlon and was the oldest of four siblings. She married her Toad (Ronald ‘Toad’ Whitmore) on December 10, 1966 and they were blessed with two daughters, Jodi and Julie.

Donna worked at the State University College at Oneonta for over 30 years. She worked in Accounts Receivable where she was very loved by her co-workers and was a mentor to many.

From 1980-1988 she was very involved with the Laurens Jaguar Colorguard and Marching Band. She never missed a show or parade and was an official Colorguard Mom. She was a founding member of POMP and travelled with the school to Ohio when they were chosen to march in the Football Hall of Fame parade. She was also an integral part of the dynamic duo of “The Mouth and the Backbone.” She was an avid quilter and was a member of the Butternut Valley Quilt Guild where her friends helped her perfect her craft. She made many, many cherished heirlooms with the help of her “quilt ladies.” These will be treasured forever.

She was a longtime member of the Laurens Presbyterian Church and a member of the LPW. She was the baker of the much coveted “Donna’s Blackberry Pie” which continually brought in a high bid at their pie auction. She was a talented gardener and surrounded her home with gorgeous flower beds. She looked forward to every spring when the lilacs would bloom, as that flower holds special memories to her family. She always said she would never have long nails as she much preferred having her hands in the dirt. She always had a smile on her face.

She loved the outdoors. Many memories were made on our family camping and fishing trips, as she loved to do both. She loved to take rides enjoying her surroundings and looking for eagles and covered bridges. She especially loved the fall, taking pictures of the autumn leaves. If she had a favorite place to be, it would be the ocean with her toes in the sand. She loved the ocean air and listening to the waves.

If we ever lost track of her, we knew there was a dog nearby. She never met a dog she didn’t like, and she never let one pass without a rub to their head.

What she loved most of all was her family. She loved her husband and daughters, but she especially loved being a Grandma. She loved her granddaughter Alivia and grandson Benjamin with all her heart. There was even room for her granddogs Jeremiah and Jack.

She is survived by her husband Toad (Ronald) Whitmore of Laurens, her daughter Jodi and husband Donald Hendrickson of Livingston Manor, NY, her daughter Julie and her husband David Barton and their children Alivia and Benjamin of Huntington, NY, sister Judith Scanlon of Otego, NY, brother Don Scanlon and wife Nan of Oneonta, NY, brother Jim Scanlon of Laurens, NY, sister-in-law Donna Sorrentino of Laurens, NY, brother-in-law Richard and wife Patricia Whitmore of Amelia, VA and brother-in-law Billy and wife Judy Briscoe of West Oneonta, and several loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her many friends and unofficial children as she was mom to all. She was loved.

Calling hours will take place privately at the convenience of the family. A graveside service will be Saturday, August 4th at 3 p.m. in the Laurens Village Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Presbyterian Church.

To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.