Donna Rose Davis Garchar 1927-2025

Born Oct. 11, 1927, and the fifth of 11 children in a family that included eight girls and three boys, she was the daughter of Donald H. Davis and Kathleen Marie Davis.

Donna was a child of the Great Depression and grew up with very little; those early hardships shaped lifelong resilience, independence and work ethic. When her father suffered a devastating accident that left him in a coma for nearly a year and resulted in the loss of his leg, Donna was forced to leave school and never formally completed high school. Despite this, she continued to educate herself through reading, writing and creative study.

Donna married Edward Martin Garchar Sr. on Oct. 22, 1947, and they shared 68 years of marriage before his passing in 2015. A devoted mother, she raised four children while working constantly and resourcefully to support her family — operating a small beauty salon out of her basement, working as a van driver for the elderly, dealing in antiques, and always finding ways to turn skill and creativity into sustenance.

Creativity defined Donna’s life. She took art lessons as an adult and produced beautiful artwork, including murals that still exist in homes today. Each year, she handmade Christmas cards for friends and family, many of whom still treasure them.

A lifelong reader, Donna later found a deep love of writing. She joined the Skyline Writers Club, where she earned multiple achievement awards. Writers associated with The Vindicator told her they wished they had her gift.

Donna also developed a passion for jewelry making. Long before it was common, she sought out antique beads and necklaces, dismantling them to create her own designs. She donated thousands of bracelets to local nursing homes, allowing residents to wear or win them at bingo, sharing beauty, comfort and joy through her generosity.

Donna is survived by her four children, Martin Garchar (Joie Garchar), Mary Alice O’Malley (Frank Castronovo), Edward Garchar Jr. (Julie Garchar) and Thomas Garchar (Marci Garchar); eight grandchildren, Randall Garchar, Katherine Garchar, Howard J. O’Malley IV (Jacqueline O’Malley), Sean O’Malley (Morgan Kise), Bridget O’Malley Spangler (James Spangler III), Mirissa Garchar, Catlin Jacobs and Garrett Jacobs; and six great-grandchildren, Kyrie Keys Garchar, Fiona O’Malley, Phoebe O’Malley, James Spangler IV, Jocelyn Spangler and Zane Stivers. She is also survived by her sister, Margaret Onions; extended friends and family members, Dusty and Dave Graff, and Scott Sandusky; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Above all, Donna was a devoted mother, an even more devoted grandmother and a loving great-grandmother. Her life was marked by perseverance, creativity, generosity and an enduring commitment to her family. She will be remembered with love and respect by all who knew her.

Family and friends may call 3 to 4:50 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Fox Funeral Home, followed by a service at 5 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to give condolences to the family.

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