Donna Mack Schuler

Donna Mack Schuler Donna Mack Schuler, 85, of San Diego and Borrego Springs, died on Monday afternoon, February 29, 2016 of congestive heart failure. Donna was a daughter of the late D.B. “Dude” and Vera C. Himbaugh Mack. Donna was born in Warren, Pennsylvania on November 19, 1930. Valedictorian of Warren High School’s 1948 graduating class, she was a sixth-generation Warren Countian. Donna married Alan Lee Schuler (also of Warren) on May 11, 1950. Together they raised two daughters, Sherri Schuler Lightner and Bonni Schuler Cogan, first living near Warren where Sherri was born, then moving to Meadville where Bonni was born. Soon afterwards the family moved to East Hartford, CT where Alan worked for Pratt & Whitney, while attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Upon Alan's graduation from RPI in 1959, they moved to San Diego when Alan accepted an engineering position at General Dynamics Astronautics. Thirteen years later in 1972 found Donna in Hingham, MA supporting Alan as Vice-President of Engineering for the LNG Tanker at General Dynamics Shipbuilding, Quincy, MA. She was active in the Hingham Historical Society, serving in many positions including President. Donna and Alan toured the world, visiting Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Australia, England, Scotland, France, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. Returning to San Diego in 1985, Donna and Alan built their first custom home in Scripps Ranch, doing much of the interior finish work themselves. Donna worked with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for over 15 years. They became active in Wally Byam Caravan Club International where Donna served in many positions, including President. In 1987 Donna’s mother, Vera, came to live with them for six years. After Vera’s death, Donna and Alan toured the Pacific Northwest, Australia and New Zealand. Donna also served as President of the Board for the Schuler Family Foundation since its inception in 1997. After Alan retired they decided to build their second custom home, this time in Borrego Springs. Donna loved this house with its enormous views, privacy and wildlife, located in the small, bustling, active, and welcoming community of Borrego Springs. Donna was an excellent tailor, making all her own custom designed clothing. She also excelled in needlepoint, knitting and quilting. She loved her animals and birds, both domestic and wild. Donna grew the biggest beefsteak tomatoes in her gardens! Donna is survived by her husband of 65 years, Alan L. Schuler; by her daughters, Sherri S. Lightner and her son-in-law Bruce D. Lightner of La Jolla, CA and Bonni S. Cogan and her son-in-law Ken Overmiller of Borrego Springs, CA. She is also survived by her grandchildren Dawna Leanne Chuss (husband Brian Chuss) and John Wyatt Lightner of San Diego and Evlyn Ann Lightner Baez (husband Emmanuel Baez) of Tacoma, WA and her niece Patricia Corcoran Evans (husband Mark Evans) of Warren, PA. Additionally, she is survived by her Swedish “daughter” Viveka Kjellgren (husband Per Arne Kjellgren) of Westport, CT and their children, Victor and Alex Kjellgren. Donna was predeceased by her grandson Mack Davis Lightner, sister Bonnie M. Corcoran and her parents. The family suggests donations to a charity of the donor's choice or the American Heart Association.