Obituary of Donna L. Thurman

Donna L. Thurman, 81, of Alpine, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 14, 2024. She was born on October 18, 1942, the daughter of Donald M. and Evelyn M. France. Donna was raised in Schoharie NY on a dairy farm. She graduated from Schoharie High School and went to work at Remington Rand in Cobleskill where she met Al Thurman. She was a secretary and he worked in the mail room. She could always tell when the mail was coming because Al would be whistling "Blue Moon" while he walked down the hallway to her desk. They were married on January 28, 1962. They raised two daughters, Michelle and Marcy. They lived in Elmira, NY for a short time before finding their forever home in Alpine, NY. Even though they left the Schoharie Valley, Donna remained rooted there as that is where much of her family remains. She also stayed in touch with classmates and attended as many class reunions as possible. Donna's greatest joy was her family. She enjoyed a very close relationship with her daughters her entire life. Her grandchildren – Julie, Stephen, Thomas, and Amy along with her great granddaughter Fiona, were the light of her life. She loved spending time with them and was extremely proud of all of them. Donna retired from Cornell University after 25 years. Early on in retirement Donna and Al were very involved with the Humane Society of Schuyler County. Volunteering and fostering cats brought them tremendous joy. After Al's passing, Donna continued her volunteer work at the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility at Schuyler Hospital where she assisted with bingo in the activities center. The residents brought her as much joy as she brought them. Donna continued her support of the Humane Society by volunteering at their store Wags to Riches in Watkins Glen. Wags gave Donna purpose and she looked forward to going there every week. It was more than a job to her. She loved connecting with customers and the other volunteers who became her dear friends. Donna's favorite place to be was home, her "Little Yellow House" as she called it. But what made it so special were the people around it and those who cared for her. You all meant the world to her and her family. Donna is survived by her daughters, Michelle (Steve) Stowell of Cortland, NY and Marcy (Chris) Brenner of Fair Haven, NJ; one sister, Sandra (France) Daley of Odessa, NY; three brothers, Leland (Cheri) France of North Blenheim, NY, Dennis (Diane) France of Schoharie, NY and Douglas (Audrey) France of Milford, NY; four grandchildren, Julie (Garrett) Ciotoli of Cortland, NY, Stephen (Breanne) Stowell, Jr. of Wendell, ID, Thomas Brenner of Washington D.C., and Amy Brenner and fiancé Andrew Thane of Wallingford, CT.; great granddaughter, Fiona Ciotoli; aunt, Norma (Underhill) Simmons; sister-in-law, Karen (Tom) Thorpe; and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, and by her husband, Albert R. Thurman, Jr. in 2007. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 1-3 pm at Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Humane Society of Schuyler County, 124 Marina Dr., Montour Falls, New York 14865.