Donna Rae Lonie

Donna Rae Lonie, née Gerstlauer

Donna R. Lonie, 76, of Philadelphia, PA passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on March 27, 2025.

Donna was born on June 3, 1948 in Sellersville, PA to Raymond and Gloria Sine Gerstlauer. She was raised in Lansdale PA. She graduated from North Penn High school in 1966. She was a leader of the girl’s basketball team that won the 1966 Bux/Mont Championship. She lettered in both Basketball and Softball for at least 3 years in both sports.

She attended the Thomas Jefferson School of nursing, graduating in 1969. She completed nursing education at La Salle School of Nursing and Health Sciences earning a BSN in [year]. Donna was a devoted employee of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children for many years. Countless is the number of children and their families for whom Donna had a positive impact during her cherished career at St Chrisopher’s. She retired from her position as the Assistant Head Nurse of the Operating room in 2015. She retired professionally in 2015.

Donna was married to Paul N. Lonie in 1972. Brett R. and Kyle N. Lonie were her treasured sons. Her sons blessed her with three beloved grandchildren, Mason R. and Matthew N. Lonie and Ella Rae Lonie.

The Philadelphia Eagles were her absolute favorite sports team since the 1960’s. The Philadelphia Phillies came in a distant second. Donna was a sportswoman throughout her adult life, distance running, playing softball, tennis, golf and loved riding her bicycle in Brigantine, NJ. She was an avid reader, mostly of murder mysteries, and a frequent visitor to the local branches of the Philadelphia Free Library. The beach was her favorite place to be for peace, sun and enjoying family & friends.

Donna is survived by her spouse & companion for over 40 years, Sallyann M. Bowman, M.D., sons Brett (Melissa) Lonie, Kyle (Ashley) Lonie, grandsons Mason & Matthew Lonie and granddaughter Ella Lonie, dear friends Carol Mannery & her family, step-Brother Ervin Veno & family and a dedicated group of friends both new, and old, former coworkers, and neighbors in both Philadelphia and Brigantine New Jersey.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 3rd, 11AM at Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Home, 8413 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill. A visitation will be held from 10-11AM . Donations to the following charities in Donna’s memory can be directed to: ACCT Philly https://acctphilly.org/helpacct/ways-to-give/, St Christopher's Hospital for Children https://secureia.drexel.edu/s/1683/form/16/form.aspx?sid=1683&gid=2&pgid=3066&cid=5404 , or The Marine Mammal Stranding Center https://mmsc.org/ .