Donna Rae (Balducci) Dietz

Surrounded by the love of her children and family, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Donna Rae (Balducci) Dietz, 78, of Danville, joined her loving family in heaven on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Donna valiantly fought her battle with determination, grit, and grace.

Born on May 29, 1948, at the original Berwick Hospital, Donna was the first daughter of the late Francesco and Hazle (Lutz) Balducci. Growing up in the west end of Berwick, she graduated from Berwick High School in 1966. Following graduation, she cared for her grandfather until his passing. She then traveled to Mainline to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse, following in her aunt Jennie’s (Giovanna) nursing shoes.

In 1970, Donna graduated from Bryn Mawr Hospital School of Nursing. After graduation, she worked at Bryn Mawr Hospital for five years before returning to Danville, where she spent more than 50 years in hematology-oncology.

Donna was the epitome of professionalism in hematology and oncology nursing. She received multiple accolades throughout her career, including Employee of the Month, and helped innovate the palliative care program. The treatment room and her “girls” in the hematology/ oncology outpatient clinic made countless memories and dedicated their time to their patients and families. To have a group of staff for over 10+ years work together brought the level of cancer treatment to such a high threshold their compassion should be the standard in their community. Throughout her career, Donna was a champion for causes and change, never afraid to speak her mind, knowing she had the facts to support it. She was an inspiration to others, especially in instilling unwavering strength in her daughters and grandchildren. Knowing they had her support and love made them want to strive to be better. The world needs more “duccis” in it.

Donna is survived by her daughters, Lindsey N. Kurtz (Andrew) of Milton and Danielle M. Dietz (Jason Snyder) of Danville; and her son, Douglas M. Dietz (April) of Beavertown. She also leaves behind her 10 beloved grandchildren: Cale, Nathan, Noella, Emily, Benjamin, Alivea, James, Adelyn, Noreen, and Niall.

She is also survived by her sister, Nicholette “Nikki” Zimmerman (Robert) of Canandaigua, NY; her brother, Francesco “Frankie” Balducci Jr. (Wendy) of Gilbertsville, PA; her beloved nieces Amanda and Jessica and nephews Roberto and Richie; her aunt, Jean Lutz of Bloomsburg; and many dear cousins, extended family members, cherished friends, and nursing colleagues.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her former spouse, Jeffery G. Dietz, in 2016; her centenarian aunts 100 Jeanette (Concetta),102 Josephine (Guisepina) and most recent, 103 uncle Joe (Guiseppi) and treasured family members; aunt Pinky, Billy Bat, Patty, and many dear friends.

Donna loved her family history and took great pride in her heritage as a second-generation Italian American. She honored her adored grandparents, Cataldo and Pasqualine Balducci, and was an enthusiastic collector of Ellis Island memorabilia, along with being a member of the foundation.

Donna’s home was a place where everyone was welcomed with open arms and immediately became family. She believed that no one should ever leave her home hungry, and if you did, that was your own fault! An amazing hostess, Donna took great pride in bringing family and friends together, especially during the holidays, when her home was filled with the warmth, laughter, and wonderful aromas of traditional Italian cooking. Her table was always a place of gathering, her kitchen a place of love, and her home a place where memories were made and traditions were passed down through generations. For Donna, food was more than a meal; it was one of the many ways she showed her love. Her generous spirit, welcoming heart, and cherished holiday gatherings will forever remain a treasured part of her family’s memories.

Donna was an avid golfer and enjoyed many pickup games and substitute rounds whenever available. She loved the game as much as her father, “Baldy.” Many lost balls have been left at the Berwick Golf Course, where she was also a member. She enjoyed her summers going to church camp with her sister at Camp Kanesatake in Pennsylvania.

Donna cherished family vacations to Ocean City, Maryland, and Ocean City, New Jersey, the Outer Banks, Canandaigua Lake in New York, and her annual pilgrimage to Cape May with her Bryn Mawr Nursing School gal pals.

As the matriarch of her family, Donna especially enjoyed spending time swinging by the creek at the family cabin. She also enjoyed spending many summers with her children in the Crystal Pool at Knoebels, accompanied by Aunt Jeanette. She was a fanatic of Philadelphia sports and attended various concerts with her sister Nikki, family and friends. Her zest for life emboldened her to skiing in her earlier years, traveling to England, Jamaica, Italy, Alaska, never fearing an independent adventure. If she could then she did and she was present in the moment.

Donna was very proud to be part of the Geisinger family. Hematology/Oncology was her main focus. Outside of work, she enjoyed attending sporting events and other activities in which her children were involved, as well as supporting her many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She was passionate about her political activities and patriotic duties, serving on the voting board of Montour County.

Donna’s love for her family extended far beyond special occasions. She was the heart of family gatherings, creating a home where everyone felt welcome, loved, and cared for. She treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren and took great joy in watching them grow. The many games of Scrabble she allowed you to think you were winning, teaching you how the tiles could be played. The daily crossword was her morning chore, after she texted the girls to see who got the daily wordle and in how many. Jeopardy was an evening regular following the Number. Her strength, generosity, and devotion to family were the foundation of the legacy she leaves behind.

Donna will be remembered for her unwavering determination, compassionate heart, generous spirit, and dedication to both her family and her nursing career. She was a woman who stood firmly for what she believed in, cared deeply for those around her, and made a lasting difference in countless lives. Her family will forever cherish the traditions she created, the lessons she taught, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave so freely.

Her legacy of courage, compassion, and unconditional love will live on through her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable life.

Donna will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memory continue to inspire those she leaves behind, and may the love she shared around her table and throughout her life live on for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Donna’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Berwick, 320 N. Market Street, Berwick, PA 18603, The Berwick Historical Society, PO Box 301, Berwick, PA 18603, or to the AGAPE Backpacks for Kids Program, PO Box 424, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 . She never wanted to see a child without a book.

All are welcome to join Donna’s family for her viewing 5-7 PM Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc., 119-121 E. Third Street, Berwick. Her Memorial Service will be 11 AM Saturday, October 24 at First Presbyterian Church of Berwick, 320 N. Market Street, Berwick, with James Ross officiating. Friends will be received from 10 AM until the time of the Memorial Service. Interment at Pine Grove Cemetery Annex, Walnut Street will follow. The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve Donna’s family. Online messages of comfort and support may be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.