Gertrude L. "Trudy" Dona

DONA—Gertrude L. “Trudy,” Richland, passed away on May 28, 2026 at home. Gertrude Dona didn't walk into a room — she arrived. And if you were lucky enough to be there, you already knew: the night just got better. Born June 13, 1958, daughter of Joseph P. and Florence (Noon) Eckenrod in Conemaugh Borough, Trudy lived nearly 68 years walking to the beat of her own drum. She loved deeply, fed generously, and never once turned anyone away. She was known for her stuffed peppers, lasagna, chowder, and homemade pancakes for her kids and all their friends lucky enough to be sleeping over. She danced. She traveled — Nova Scotia, Costa Rica, Israel, Ireland, Canada, and various states and National Parks— always with a camera and tripod in hand. She gardened and passed her green thumb down like an heirloom. She lived by her motto to make life "fun fun fun" — three words she said often, meant completely, and proved every single day. She was a devoted wife to Joseph Dona for nearly 44 years, a mother to Alexis and Lindsey, and a mother-in-law to Matthew Popovnak. She is also survived by her siblings and their families: Catherine Delawder, Sandra & Tom Dynice, Robert & Beth Eckenrod, Patricia & Denny Heptner, Chuck & Stacy Eckenrod, Teresa Eckenrod, Chris Eckenrod, and Thomas Eckenrod. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph P. and Florence (Noon) Eckenrod; siblings Lee, Mike, Joseph, and Rosemary; brother-in-law Herb Delawder; sister-in-law Cheryl Eckenrod; and in-laws Joseph and Marie Dona. Beyond her family, she is also remembered by her Magnificent Seven — Kathy & Berry, Chris & Dave, Karen & Jim, and Sean; her Lunch Group — Beautiful Bonnie, Lovely Linda, Tike & Kathy, and Bill & Paul; Don at the Boulevard Grill, the Sovets Girls, her neighbors, and the family at Deb's Funny Farm. The family will receive friends from 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where vigil will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, June 1, 2026 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown, with Fr. David S. Peles, Pastor. Entombment, St. Joseph Mausoleum. Trudy was loved beyond measure — by her family, her friends, and anyone fortunate enough to have known her. She will be deeply, endlessly missed. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.