Obituary of Dona E. Franklin

Dona E. Franklin (née Weaver)

October 30, 1932 - July 13, 2024

Dona Ellamae Franklin, 91, of New Providence, NJ (formerly of Chatham, NJ), passed away peacefully in the continuing care section of the Lantern Hill Senior Living facility on July 13, 2024 in the presence of her loving family.

Dona was born on October 30, 1932, at home in East Bangor, PA to Raymond and Dora Weaver. She graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Bethlehem, PA in 1953 and began a long career in nursing and caregiving. Dona met her husband, Robert F. Franklin, while she was in nursing school and he was attending Moravian College. The two married in 1953 and remained happily married for 56 years until Robert’s passing in 2010.

Dona was a uniquely kind and devoted caregiver, holding positions throughout her nursing career in hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities. She always said that her two favorite jobs were as the School Nurse for the Milton and Washington Avenue Elementary schools in Chatham Borough, NJ, and within the doctor's offices of Dr. Michael Parziale, with whom she worked for many years and developed a deep affection. 

Dona was also an active member of the Chatham United Methodist Church since 1954, serving on the Altar Guild, as a member of the United Methodist Women’s Circle, volunteering yearly at the rummage sale, and much more. She also enjoyed her time volunteering for the Independent Thrift Shop in Madison, NJ.  

Dona is survived by her children, Amy Richter (Eric), Fred Franklin (Joanne), Paul Franklin (Karen), and Tom Franklin (Jonathan); her grandchildren, Paul Richter (Julie), Elizabeth Richter Turner (Austin), Ridgely Franklin, Payton Franklin, Emma Franklin (Conor), Ethan Franklin (Allison), and Eleanor Franklin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Dora Weaver (née Johnson); her husband, Robert F. Franklin; and her brothers Arthur and Byron Weaver.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 11:00 AM at the Chatham United Methodist Church (CUMC), 460 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928, with refreshments and fellowship following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Dona Franklin Fund at the CUMC as follows:

Click this link to reach the CUMC donation page

Scroll to “Other - Miscellaneous”

Enter your donation amount, then write “Dona Franklin Fund” in the box to the right

Choose donation frequency, then “Continue”

Or donations can be made to the Chatham Emergency Squad in memory of Dona by clicking this link.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Woodland Pointe continuing care center at Lantern Hill for their compassionate care.

Dona will be dearly missed for her openness, warmth, kindness, and loving heart by all who knew her.