Donna Lee Sanders Diven, 81

December 26, 2024

Donna Lee Sanders Diven, 81, of Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024. Born on December 31, 1942, in Belgrove, PA, she was the daughter of John Clifford and Joyce Sanders.

Donna graduated from Annville-Cleona High School in 1960.

Donna was one of four siblings: her older brother, Gary Sanders of Elmhurst, IL; her younger brother, John Sanders of California; and her younger sister, Dawn Sowell of Alabama.

While working at the Lebanon Credit Bureau, Donna met her future husband, Gary Lee Diven. The couple married on December 23, 1961, and together they built a beautiful life.

Donna and Gary were blessed with two children. A son, Gary Lee Diven Jr., who married Diana Irving, and a daughter, Lora Lee Diven, who married Kevin Lownsbery. Lora tragically passed away on December 24, 2015, after a brave battle with cancer. They were also blessed with 3 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Donna worked at Farmers First Bank in Lititz for nine years before joining High Steel, where she spent a decade. Known for her culinary skills, Donna delighted her coworkers with her delicious cakes which she baked and decorated.

Donna participated in Scouts, band parent activities, church functions, and supported her children’s dancing and piano lessons. She also enjoyed playing volleyball and competed in recreation leagues in Lititz and Lancaster for several years.

Donna and Gary shared a love for travel, starting with tent camping and culminating in adventures in their motorhome. Together, they visited many of the nation’s National Parks and embarked on a memorable 16-day tour of Alaska.

Music was a shared passion, and they enjoyed attending concerts at the American Music Theater, the Hershey Theater, and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Some highlights included performances by Meat Loaf and Jewel.

Donna will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met. Her legacy lives on through her family and the countless memories shared with those she loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, located at 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543, with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.