Donna Churray
September 19, 1946 - May 20, 2026
Visitation: Wednesday, May 27th 2-4 & 6-8PM
Service: Thursday, May 28th 10 AM St. Sebastian Church, Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish
Donna Churray, 79, of Ross Township, passed away peacefully at home after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Born in Pittsburgh’s South Hills to Elva (Friend) Walker and James Walker, Donna spent much of her childhood on six beautiful acres in Thomas, Pennsylvania — a place she always remembered fondly. After graduating from Canon-McMillan High School, she attended Duquesne University and then graduated from Longvue College in Missouri.
She met her treasured husband, Jerry Churray when they were both Big Macs, and they began their life together, moving from Western Pennsylvania to Missouri, East Stroudsburg, PA, then back home to Pittsburgh.
Donna and Jerry built a life centered on faith, family, and love. Together they raised four children: Kim (Chris) Miller, Matt Churray, Brian (Kristen) Churray, and Angela (Dave) Gross. Nothing brought Donna more joy than being Grandma to Gabrielle, Samantha, Abigail, Ian, Madeline, Colin, Carter, Allison, and Reagan. Her grandchildren were truly the light of her life and she took great joy in supporting and celebrating them, playing with them and creating memories together.
Donna was incredibly smart and creative, and somehow always organized no matter how much life was going on around her. She loved baking for family and friends, making beautiful crafts, playing cards, and spending time camping with family and friends. She had a special love for flowers and hummingbirds, and her home and gardens reflected the warmth, beauty, and care she brought into the lives of others.
Donna loved traveling with Jerry and treasured the many adventures they shared together, including a tour of Europe, a trip to the Holy Land, countless cruises, and travels throughout the United States. She loved to make scrapbooks to remember each trip, even making one for their last trip together to Nova Scotia in the summer of 2023.
Deeply devoted to their Catholic faith, Donna and Jerry were active in many church groups (Saint Vincent de Paul, Ladies of Charity, Eucharistic Ministers and ENDOW) and cherished their involvement with the People of God community. Faith was the foundation of Donna’s life, and she and Jerry worked tirelessly to pass that faith and love on to their children and grandchildren as well as everyone she encountered.
Donna is also survived by her brother, James.
Friends and family will be received at Devlin Funeral Home, Inc. 806 Perry Highway Pittsburgh, PA 15229, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Sebastian Church, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Siebert Road, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, 10 AM. Interment to follow at Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery.
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Our shared history and friendship began in 1983 at the back fence between our houses. Followed by car pooling to prayer meetings where teachings centered on relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and transformation. In Feb. 1984, when Mary Lou began labor pains at 28 weeks gestation, John called the Churrays (we have no local family members) asking if Donna could kindly take care of 5 y/o Anthony while John drove Mary Lou to the hospital. Our consistent memory is looking out the window to see Donna carrying Anthony through the snow to her home- serving literally as the hands and feet of Jesus. Their support during our crisis was their faith in action. We miss you, Donna.
Dear Jerry and Family. For a moment I was so sad when I heard of Donna’s passing. And then I sensed a great joy in the truth that God’s
Promises are true! ! ! Alleluia ✝️ Donna is in the presence of The Lord Jesus. And I will be , too !
In C.S. Lewis’s famous sermon “The Weight of Glory” (and the biblical passage 2 Corinthians 4:17), the “weight of glory” refers to God’s glory that is given to and experienced by the redeemed. It is the unbelievable promise that God will delight in, approve of, and ultimately glorify those who love Him.
Donna loved well. She loved and served her Lord her family and friends. The affliction she she experienced here has given way to an eternal weight of glory ! Don and I prayed for Donna and your family. We will continue prayer for you all. What joy to have had Donna as a sister in Christ
Velma and Don
Sending our deepest condolences to your family. Donna brought so much warmth and joy, as our neighbor and family friend. From summers hanging out at your house, across our back yards, to countless birthdays and seder meals, including the traditional Christmas reunion each December – we have many treasured memories to reflect on. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Jerry and family,
Bobbie and I were both sad to hear of Donna’s passing, and we have been praying for her for several years. Her engaging smile has long been a blessing to the People of God community and she brightened up every community campout.
We also appreciate the work that she did as a leading Senior Women’s Leader and her work on the North American Regional Women’s Council.
We pray that the Lord will comfort and bless your family in the coming days. She truly was a great woman!
Bob & Bobbie
Dear Jerry and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. We will always remember our times camping w you and Donna and we will truly miss her smiling face and bright spirit. She loved you and it showed. She loved the Lord and that was reflected in her life. May you find comfort in all the memories you shared with her. Rest in Jesus’ arms Donna. Love to you, Jerry and your beautiful family, Kathy and Matt Makarczyk