Donela Helen Goldfarb

Donela Helen Goldfarb (Baker), known to others more commonly as Donna Goldfarb, passed away peacefully September 28, 2021, at the age of 91, at her home in Charlotte, NC. Donna was born to Earl John Baker and Troas Ethel (Altman), in Hancock County, OH on January 14, 1930. She was raised on a small farm in Ohio and graduated from Van Buren High School. As a young girl, she recalled a memory on the farm of laying back on a horse and gazing up at the sky while watching planes pass by, dreaming that one day she would be traveling to a big city. Eventually she moved to New York City where, while modeling, she met her beloved husband of 40 years, Ralph Goldfarb, who preceded her in death.

Donna is survived by her brother, Cloyce (Janet) Baker, Van Buren, OH. Surviving children include Dana (Leslie) Goldfarb, Charlotte, NC; Eric (Lauren) Goldfarb, Wrightsville Beach, NC; and Carrie (Harley) Kudler, Huntington, NY. Surviving grandchildren are Nicole Goldfarb, New York, NY; Ashley Kudler, New Platz, NY; Jessica Goldfarb, Charlotte, NC; Courtney Goldfarb, New York, NY; Samantha Kudler, New York, NY; and Andrew Kudler, Huntington, NY.

Donna was predeceased by three sisters, Onalee Taylor, Luella Whitman, Maxine Stukins, and her brother, Delton Baker.

Donna was a devoted wife, and loving mother, and grandmother. Her grandchildren easily recall her enthusiasm for getting down on the floor and playing cards and games with them. She was remarkably creative and was known to repurpose her own furniture as well as create beautiful oil paintings. Donna took to the garden with equal enthusiasm.

Donna was a strong and spirited individual who was not afraid to speak her mind. Her work ethic was exceptional. She rarely complained and when asked how she felt, she would always exclaim with a grin, “I’m content!”. Her glass was always full and her attitude was always positive. At the nursing home she will be fondly remembered as the “singing lady” and as someone who was always eager for the next activity.

Services by the graveside will be held Sunday, October 3rd, at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Glendale, NY.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org.