Donna R. Lighthall

Oneida-Donna R. Lighthall, 61, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at the Oneida Healthcare Center, following an extended illness.

She was born in Oneida on June 5, 1959, the daughter of John and Phyllis Willbanks Lighthall. Donna was raised in Oneida and was a graduate of Oneida High School Class of 1977.  She also graduated from BOCES LPN Program.  She had worked at Oneida Limited, Vision Care of Oneida, and Oneida...

Donna R. Lighthall

Oneida-Donna R. Lighthall, 61, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at the Oneida Healthcare Center, following an extended illness.

She was born in Oneida on June 5, 1959, the daughter of John and Phyllis Willbanks Lighthall. Donna was raised in Oneida and was a graduate of Oneida High School Class of 1977.  She also graduated from BOCES LPN Program.  She had worked at Oneida Limited, Vision Care of Oneida, and Oneida Savings Bank.  Donna cared for numerous cats and dogs in her life.  She was an extreme scrap booker.  Donna was also an avid photographer, who especially loved getting candid photos of her family. Most of all she will be remembered as a loving and caring mom, grandma, daughter, sister and devoted friend.

She is survived by her beloved son John Purcell, and his wife, Jennifer of Canastota; her cherished grand daughter Cali Purcell, of Oneida; two step-grandsons, William Lenhart III of Oneida, and Xander Miller of Canastota; her parents: Phyllis Lighthall of Oneida, and John and Nancy Lighthall of Canastota; her sister Deborah Wimett of Oneida; and her brother David J. Lighthall of Colorado; her step-sisters Wendy Warner of Canastota; and Doreen Kotwica of Verona; several nieces and nephews.   Donna also leaves behind her precious “fur babies,” Brandi and Kitty.

Donna's family would like to thank St. Luke's Hospital, Oneida Healthcare Center, Oneida Healthcare Extended Care Facility, Vineall Ambulance, Oneida Rescue Squad, Dr. Martin, Dr. Vanderhoof and nurses, and all other medical providers who have taken care of Donna.

In keeping with Donna’s wishes, there are no services or calling hours at this time.  Her family will honor her life with a graveside service and interment in Glenwood Cemetery. Donna’s family have entrusted her care to Jeffry T. Paul, Funeral Director, at the Collican-McSweeney Funeral Home. Please visit coolican-mcsweeney.com to offer a condolence or share a memory.  

Donations may be made in Donna’s name to Wanderers Rest humane Association, Inc., P.O. Box 535, Canastota, New York 13032-0535