Donna Jean Tork died on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at the home of her niece Donna-Jean Feathers, surrounded by her family in Parrish, Florida after a short illness. She was 80.

Born in Warrensburg, Missouri on Feb. 15, 1945. She grew up in South Berne, graduating from Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District in 1963.

In 1972, she moved to Voorheesville where she shared a Dommorro Drive home with her father, the late Dominick Tork. “She moved to Port Charlotte in Florida,” her family wrote in a tribute, “but always considered Voorheesville her home.

“She is now reunited with her son, Robert Van Der Veer, who died before her. Donna is survived by her beloved grandsons, Christian Van Der Veer, and Brandon Van Der Veer; her sister, Joanne Tork Samsa; her niece, Donna-Jean Feathers; and her nephew, Dominick Schoonmaker.

“At Donna’s request, no funeral will be held. Her family will honor her memory privately at South Berne Rural Cemetery in the spring.”