Donna L. Williamson, mother and grandmother

OLEAN — Donna L. Williamson, of Olean, passed away peacefully Friday (May 29, 2026) at Olean General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born March 23, 1937, in Kane, Pa., she was the daughter of Donald and Jane Campbell Cornell.

Donna was a proud graduate of the Hinsdale Central School, Class of 1955.

On Sept. 17, 1977, Donna married the love of her life, Guy Williamson, who predeceased her in 2023.

Throughout her career, Donna worked a variety of secretarial roles, lending her talents to Hinsdale Central School, the F.H. Oakleaf Company and E.F. Hutton (now Morgan Stanley) in Olean, where she retired in 1998.

Donna and Guy shared a vibrant social life and a passion for square dancing. As active members of the Enchanted Mountaineers square dance group, they traveled to national conventions in St. Louis, Mo., and Lakeland, Fla. In addition to dancing, Donna had a keen eye for antiquing and estate sales, operating as a dedicated dealer at the Olean Antique Center until its closure.

For over 20 years, Donna and Guy embraced the snowbird lifestyle, spending their winters in Eustis, Fla. During her southern winters, Donna treasured the time spent with dear friends and her family. She also delighted in taking numerous cruises throughout the Caribbean.

Closer to home, she loved her weekly games with groups of friends, regularly playing Bridge, Hand & Foot and Mahjong.

Her lifelong bonds were incredibly important to her; since her high school days, Donna remained in close contact with her beloved group of friends, “The Big Six,” and thoroughly enjoyed their weekly video chats in recent years. Donna also enjoyed spending time with her beloved daughters and grandson

Family meant everything to Donna, and she is survived by her loving daughters, Julie (Arthur) Wentz and Joni (Tim) Hanchett; and her treasured grandson, Arthur Wentz III; a sister-in-law, Sue Cornell; a brother-in-law, Robert Catalano; her special cousins, Pamela (Richard) Stolz, Eileen (Robert) Nowlin and Gary (Cheryl Watts) Cornell; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Donna was predeceased by her two sisters, Carolyn Bishop and Helene Catalano; and a brother, Thomas Cornell.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday (June 6, 2026) at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc, 9 Bull St., Cuba, with a Celebration of Life service beginning at noon at the funeral home. Pastor Rebecca Worth will officiate.

Memorials in Donna’s name can be made to Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland St., Ballston Spa, NY 12020.