Donna M. Zirkel

Donna M. Zirkel, 87, of Lancaster, and formerly of Mount Joy, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Lancaster General Hospital.

Born in Lewisburg, Donna was the beloved daughter of the late George N. Jr. and Dorothy Brungard Royer. She shared 48 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, Paul R. Zirkel, until his passing in August 2009. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others.

A 1956 graduate of Pottstown High School, Donna pursued her lifelong calling to help people by earning her Registered Nursing degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She remained a proud member of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Association throughout her life. Nursing was more than a profession to Donna—it was a reflection of her compassionate heart. During her distinguished career, she cared for countless patients while serving at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pottstown Hospital, and Lansdale North Penn Hospital.

Donna's faith was a guiding force in her life. She was an active and devoted member of Trinity United Church of Christ in East Petersburg, where she joyfully sang in the choir and faithfully served on the Evangelism and Called to Care Committees. Before moving to Pennsylvania, she was a dedicated member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Richmond, Virginia. Even in retirement, Donna continued caring for others by volunteering for seven years with Hospice & Community Care's Pathway of Grief program, offering comfort and compassion to families during some of life's most difficult moments.

Donna found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time on the golf course, bowling with friends, fishing, and sailing. Whether enjoying the outdoors or sharing laughter with loved ones, she embraced every opportunity to create lasting memories.

Above all else, Donna treasured her family. Nothing brought her greater happiness than gathering with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She celebrated their accomplishments, cherished every visit, and filled their lives with unwavering love, encouragement, and kindness. Her gentle spirit, caring heart, and quiet strength will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Donna is survived by her sons, Charles Robert Zirkel and his wife, Cari, of Honey Brook, and Chad D. Zirkel of Beebe, Arkansas; her six beloved grandchildren, Travis, Missy, Desiree, Kathryn, Chris, and Kyle; her two cherished great-grandchildren, Anisten and Madden; and her brother, the Reverend Harry G. Royer of Lititz.

In addition to her parents and husband, Donna was preceded in death by her son, Paul Eric Zirkel; her sister, Joan R. Sleet; and her brother-in-law, Eric Zirkel.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to celebrate Donna's life at a memorial service on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity United Church of Christ, 2340 State Street, East Petersburg. A time of visitation with the family will be held at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Interment will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, 2340 State Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520.