Obituary of Donna M. Given

RUSSELL- Donna M. Given, age 69, of Russell, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Calling hours for Donna will be at French Funeral Home, Edwards on Friday, September 26, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with her funeral service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. with Lay Speaker, Judy Tupper officiating. Her burial will be in the South Russell Cemetery. Donna was born on March 21, 1945 in Ogdensburg to the late Arthur and Patricia (LaMere) Barkley. She grew up in Lisbon and attended school there and at St. Mary's School in Ogdensburg. She married Charles D. Given on January 26, 1963 at the Notre Dame Catholic Church in Ogdensburg. The couple has lived in Russell for all of their marriage. Donna was devoted to her husband of 51 years. Mrs. Given worked as a nurse's aide for the former United Helpers Nursing Home in Canton for ten years. Donna loved spending time with her grandchildren and never missed the first day of the school year. She took care of her nieces and nephews, had a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody, including her wonderful neighbors and friends. She was a charter member of and one of the first EMT's of the Russell Rescue Squad. Her survivors include her husband, Charles; two sons, Charles Given, Jr. and his wife, April, Howard Given and his wife, Pam; two daughters, Patricia "Patti" Hill, and Penny Allen and her husband, Scott; three brothers, Robert, Arthur, and Gary Barkley; and five sisters, Bonnie Webster, Sandra Lombard, Mary Smith, Tina Rheome, and Kim Redmond. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Katelynd Hill, and MaCailla, Kayleigh, and Cooper Allen; and many nieces and nephews. Donna is predeceased by her parents and a sister, Pamela Felix. Donations in memory of Donna may be made to the Russell Fire and Rescue Squad, PO Box 536, Russell NY 13684. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.