Donna Cohen

Donna Mae Cohen, age 95, formerly of Erie, passed away Sunday January 27, 2013 in Dayton, OH where she has resided the past 15 years.

She was born in Erie, Pa. on April 10, 1917 daughter of the late Fredric and Arlowene St. John. Donna was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School and did clerical work for the Erie General Electric Plant as well as Zurn Industries. She and her late husband, Herbert, owned and operated several diners and truck stops.

She loved to cook and especially enjoyed baking. Donna had a lively and engaging personality and a great sense of humor. She loved life and was a very generous and giving person. As a young lady Donna participated in several dance marathons, and in one particular marathon danced for nearly six weeks non-stop, with minimal breaks. She had a great love of all animals but especially dogs and in her later years enjoyed reading and watching television.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Herbert Cohen and three brothers; Fredric R., Paul and Edward St. John.

She is survived by two sons; Dr. Lawrence Klein and his wife Debbie of Dayton, OH. and Gerald Welch and his wife Donna of Buffalo, NY along with a sister, Jean Kennedy. Donna also leaves five grandchildren including Jessica Klein, Paul Welch, Daniel Welch, Darlene Ramos, and Bonnie Kaczmarowski, ten great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 602 West Tenth Street, Erie, Pa. 16502 on Thursday from 4:00 pm till 7:00 pm and are invited to services there on Friday at 11:00 am with Rev. Dan Owen officiating. Burial will follow in Erie Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, 1661 Nicholas Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45417.