Donna R. Simbeck

Donna Rachel Marie Simbeck, 92, of St. Marys died peacefully at her home on December 19, 2023.

She was born August 23, 1931 in Elbon, Pa, the first child of the late Raymond and Margaret Herzing Gahr. On August 7, 1954 in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she married Richard “Dick” Simbeck who preceded her in death on April 2, 2013.

Donna was a coal miner’s daughter.  Her first school experience was in a one-room schoolhouse in Elbon where she was able to skip first grade.  After her father was killed in a mining accident, her mother moved the family of 5 to St. Marys to live in her grandparents’ home.  Donna attended the St. Marys Parochial school and graduated salutatorian of the Central Catholic High School, class of 1948.

In her younger years, Donna loved ice skating and as an accomplished bowler participated in many leagues.  She also enjoyed her seasonal part-time work at the Gift & Art.  Donna was a longtime member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  For many years, she was also a member and officer of the St. Marys Altar Society and worked the bereavement dinners where she made her signature sheet cakes.  She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, the lottery, and being the family historian.

Although Donna may not have won the PowerBall during her lifetime, she would tell you she won the lottery when it came to her family and the legacy she leaves behind.  Family to Donna included those who joined through marriage; she did not discriminate between blood family and marriage.  Her greatest joy was being a housewife and mother to daughters Margaret “Peggy” (Ben) Hoffman, Elizabeth “Lisa” (Ken) Hoffman, both of St. Marys, and son Steve (Edie) Simbeck of Sandy, UT.  Although Donna did not enjoy or want to be the center of attention, she was a huge supporter of the accomplishments of her grandchildren: Jeffrey Hoffman, Angela (Scott) Wehler, Adam (Danielle) Hoffman, Christopher (Mandy) Hoffman, Katie (Henry) Sobieski, Karen (David) Carr, Dr. Tricia Hoffman (Jonathan Coppella), Anna (Steven) Schreckengost, Kevin Hoffman, Benji Hoffman, Timothy J. Hoffman, and her great grandchildren.

Donna is also survived by twin siblings JoAnn Schneider and John “Jack” Gahr, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Donna was preceded in death by one grandson, Timothy Raymond Hoffman in infancy; her sister and brother-in-law Carol and Francis Haberberger, one sister-in-law Sandy Gahr, one brother-in-law Donald “Chick” Schneider, and her Godson Craig Schneider.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Donna will be celebrated in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 10:00AM with Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, celebrating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Elk County Catholic School System Advancement Office, 600 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857; St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 325 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857; Penn Highlands Community Nurses, Hospice, 757 Johnsonburg Road, Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857; or a charity of your choice.