Donna Gunning

Donna Lee Gunning, age 80, passed away on July 11, 2021 at Oak Crest Village Long Term Care Center in Parkville, Maryland. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1941 she was the daughter of Donald Griffin and Dorothea (Leinweber) Maurer. Donna graduated from Eastern High School in 1959 and enrolled at Union Memorial School of Nursing from where she graduated in September of 1962. While employed full time as a registered nurse, Donna went on to attend The Catholic University of America where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 1969.

Donna married the love of her life, her husband of almost 48 years, Michael Gerard “Jerry” Gunning on June 25, 1972. Donna and Jerry moved from Baltimore to Bel Air, Maryland where they raised their three daughters. They were active parishioners at St. Margaret’s Parish where Donna sang in the choir. While working full time and raising her girls with Jerry, Donna continued with her education earning her Masters of Science from Johns Hopkins University in May of 1979. She worked as a nurse in varying capacities over the years including providing direct care in hospital settings, hospice care, home health care, school nursing, teaching nursing at a local community college, and in utilization review with Blue Cross and Blue Shield from where she retired.

After retiring, Donna and Jerry moved to Eden in 2006 where they helped raise their first two grandchildren. Donna’s passion for nursing continued and the couple volunteered at Tidal Health Peninsula. Their ongoing involvement with the church endured at St. Francis de Sale’s Parish in Salisbury. In 2015, she and Jerry relocated to Oak Crest where she resided until her passing.

Donna is survived by her daughters Kathleen Gunning, Kelly (Christopher) Haugh, and Mary (Joseph) Keleman; grandchildren, Brady Gerard and Grace Elizabeth Haugh, Anna Grace and Nicholas Joseph Keleman; as well as beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, her sisters Joyce Monroe and Patricia Philbrick, and granddaughter Natalie Keleman.

Donna loved learning about anything related to science, listening to music, singing, crossword puzzles, game shows, going to the movies, playing bingo, arts & crafts and sewing. Donna was always reading whether it was the Sunday Paper or the latest novel, particularly Tom Clancy or Stephen King. Donna also enjoyed cooking and baking especially with her daughters on Sundays for family dinners and around the holidays. Her daughters often referred to her as “the real” Betty Crocker and her recipes continue to be used by family and friends. Donna will always be known for her love of nursing, patience, kindness, compassion, and generosity toward others. Donna was most proud of her “Gunning Girls” in whom she instilled the importance of education, independence, self-worth, and public service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gilchrist Center for Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.