In Memory of Donna J. Bernhard
​Donna J. (Johnson) Bernhard, 71, of Gilbertsville, wife of George K. Bernhard for 54 years, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017 at home surrounded by her loved ones after a long and brave battle with ocular melanoma.
​In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, John C. Bernhard and wife, Elizabeth of Mertztown, Daniel J. Bernhard of Gilbertsville and D. Jeanne Bernhard of Gilbertsville; her grandchildren, Jacob, Rebecca, Lindsay, Allison, and Ryan; her great-grandchildren Camber Olivia and Peyton Anne; her grand cats, Patches, Squeeze, Cerulean and Squeak; and her beloved rescue dog, Sparky. Her siblings, Harry J. Johnson, Jr. and his wife, Cosie, of Helmville, MT; Kathryn (Johnson) Miller and her husband, Leroy, of Dandridge, TN; and Deborah (Johnson) Fisher and her partner, Vince Festa, of Temple.
​In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, John C. Bernhard and wife, Elizabeth of Mertztown, Daniel J. Bernhard of Gilbertsville and D. Jeanne Bernhard of Gilbertsville; her grandchildren, Jacob, Rebecca, Lindsay, Allison, and Ryan; her great-grandchildren Camber Olivia and Peyton Anne; her grand cats, Patches, Squeeze, Cerulean and Squeak; and her beloved rescue dog, Sparky. Her siblings, Harry J. Johnson, Jr. and his wife, Cosie, of Helmville, MT; Kathryn (Johnson) Miller and her husband, Leroy, of Dandridge, TN; and Deborah (Johnson) Fisher and her partner, Vince Festa, of Temple.
A Beautiful Life
​Donna was born August 9, 1945 in Montgomery Hospital in Norristown, PA to the late Harry J. and Kathryn (Watson) Johnson, Sr. Her father received word of her birth on August 20, 1945, in a letter he received letter from his mother, while serving with the US Navy in WWII.
She grew up on a 7-acre farm in Centre Square, PA with cows, a couple ponies, sheep, ducks, and her first dog, Penny.
Donna was a 1963 graduate of Wissahickon High School. She earned her LPN at the Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Norristown, PA in 1984 and went on to earn her RN from Montgomery County Community College in 1988. She worked for both Sacred Heart Hospital and Mercy Suburban Hospital in Norristown for 35 years.
She was a member of the PASNAP nurses’ union, where she served on the political action committee, a member of the Sellersville American Legion, the Delaware Valley chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club and the National Street Rod Association. She was also a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Barto.
In her spare time, Donna enjoyed going to car shows, traveling, her most recent adventures being Cuba and Ireland, and participating in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City, as balloon handler. Most of all, she was a loving and devoted mother, always unwavering in her support of her children and grandchildren.
She grew up on a 7-acre farm in Centre Square, PA with cows, a couple ponies, sheep, ducks, and her first dog, Penny.
Donna was a 1963 graduate of Wissahickon High School. She earned her LPN at the Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Norristown, PA in 1984 and went on to earn her RN from Montgomery County Community College in 1988. She worked for both Sacred Heart Hospital and Mercy Suburban Hospital in Norristown for 35 years.
She was a member of the PASNAP nurses’ union, where she served on the political action committee, a member of the Sellersville American Legion, the Delaware Valley chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club and the National Street Rod Association. She was also a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Barto.
In her spare time, Donna enjoyed going to car shows, traveling, her most recent adventures being Cuba and Ireland, and participating in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City, as balloon handler. Most of all, she was a loving and devoted mother, always unwavering in her support of her children and grandchildren.
Funeral Information
​A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Christ Lutheran Church, 222 Niantic Road, Barto, PA 19504 with Rev. Matthew Ollikainen officiating. Burial follows in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call from 10 to 11 a.m. at church, prior to the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home, 222 Washington Street, East Greenville, PA 18041. Offer sympathy to the family on our website at www.mannslonakerfuneralhome.com.
Donna’s wish was for everyone able to bring their antique car or hot rod to her service.
In lieu flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation (Donate securely using the link on the right) or mail donations to 1717 K St. NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006 with memo: "In Memory of Donna Bernhard."
Donna’s wish was for everyone able to bring their antique car or hot rod to her service.
In lieu flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation (Donate securely using the link on the right) or mail donations to 1717 K St. NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006 with memo: "In Memory of Donna Bernhard."
Ocular Melanoma is a rare disease. Therefore funding for research to find a cure is very limited at this time. Contributions in Donna’s honor, such as yours, will help tremendously.
More Pictures of Donna
Click here to see more pictures of Donna:
Donna >
Donna >
If you have any questions or want further information about Warrior fundraising with OMF, please email warriors@ocularmelanoma.org.
Donna J. Bernhard
August 9, 1945 - June 3, 2017
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation.
Donate Securely Online