Donna Olenick 1933-2026

She was born March 6, 1933, in Youngstown, to Glenn Willrich and Myrtle McKain Willrich.

She grew up in Youngstown as one of six children. She graduated from North High School and attended Westminster College.

Donna loved to dance. At the age of 6 she had her first dance lesson, and dancing became her life’s passion. As a teen she performed in dance shows throughout the Mahoning Valley and Western Pennsylvania. She began to teach dance lessons and later went on to open up her own dance studio, Donna’s School of Dance. For nearly 35 years she instructed hundreds of children in the art of dance. She also helped manage Countryside Golf Course until her retirement in 2006.

She was a member of Dance Masters of America, Dance Masters of Pennsylvania and the American Business Women’s Association. She was also a member of St. Nicholas and Holy Trinity Roman Catholic churches in Struthers and St. Catherine of Sienna Parish-St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church in Boardman. She was a lifelong area resident.

Donna married the love of her life, Steve “Smokey” Olenick, on Aug. 7, 1954. They met in school at a water fountain when they were 13 years old and started a romance for the ages. She loved him deeply and missed him sadly since his passing in 2020. Now they are together again for eternity.

Donna and Smokey enjoyed their family and friends in countless family gatherings, picnics, vacations, golf outings and holiday celebrations. Their home in Coitsville was the gathering place for Sunday dinners and almost every special occasion.

Donna was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. She attended every activity that they were involved with and was always there to provide love and support. To her, family was everything.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Steve “Chip” (Evelyn) Olenick III of Bluffton, South Carolina; her daughters, Kim (Rick) Democko of Hubbard and Karen “Kerri” Olenick of Boardman, with whom she made her home; her grandchildren, Justin (Kristen) Democko, Ashley Democko and Megan Martini; her great-grandson, Draven Democko; her sisters-in-law, Olga Olenick and Gina Riley; and her cherished fur babies, Lola, Frankie and Febie.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Steve “Smokey” Olenick Jr.; her parents, Glenn and Myrtle Willrich; and her siblings, Virginia, Jane, Fran, Bud and Russell.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their loving care in her final days.

Calling hours will take place from 9:15 a.m. until the time of prayer service at 10:15 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish-St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Parish, 7345 Westview Drive, Boardman, OH 44512.

She will be laid to rest in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Lowellville.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Davis-Becker Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.beckerobits.com.

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