Donna Lee Bennie

Donna Bennie ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by McCrery & Harra Funeral Home and Crematory - Concord Pike on Mar. 17, 2026.Donna Lee Bennie, 78, of Hockessin, Delaware, formerly of Scranton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026.Donna was a woman of remarkable depth - fiercely proud, independent, and sharp-minded, with an infectious laugh and a quick wit that could light up any room. Her career as an accountant spoke to her precision and intelligence but belied her creativity, which revealed itself in many hobbies. She was an accomplished painter and photographer, and a gifted seamstress whose heirloom christening gowns and bridal veils became treasured keepsakes for the families fortunate enough to receive them.Though her talents were many, Donna always said that raising her five children was her greatest accomplishment. Together with her beloved husband Bill, she instilled in them that fierce independence and strong work ethic, then spent the rest of her life worrying about them anyway. Even as they grew into successful adults, she never stopped sending a text to check in during a storm or an overseas trip.Donna was the consummate host. Holidays meant homemade meals, and a visit home whether to Scranton or later to Delaware meant her children and grandchildren would be fed with love and purpose. In her later years, as her mobility slowed, her desire to entertain never dimmed. She simply deputized others, most often Meghan or Robby, to execute her signature recipes under her careful direction, and the results were always held to her exacting standard.Her devotion to Bill and her children was matched only by her devotion to her pets, who learned early that sitting near Donna at mealtimes had its rewards. Donna would often mistakenly call her children by her pets' names, for which her children would often good-naturedly tease her.In quieter moments, Donna could be found on the porch with Bill, listening to their eclectic music collection - Frankie Valli giving way to the Beatles giving way to Eric Clapton. Both lifelong nature lovers, they took great pleasure in their later years watching birds and deer visit the feeders outside their window. In retirement, Donna and Bill joined dear friends Mary Ellen and Joe on many adventures, trading the temperate East Coast for tropical destinations and returning each time with armfuls of photos and gifts for their children and grandchildren.Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill; her brother, Anthony Bonadio; and her parents, James and Mary Bonadio. She is survived by her children, Andrea Abban (Andrew), Robert F. McDonough, Meghan McDonough (Robert), Craig M. Bennie (Palma), and Bryan Bennie (Lindsey); her seven grandchildren, Kyle, Olivia, Autumn, Lincoln, Taylor, Sydney, and Anna; and her sisters, Tina Brostoski, Mary Ida Bonadio, and Denise Hawk.A viewing will be held at 9:00 AM on Monday, March 23rd, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel in Scranton, Pennsylvania, followed by Mass at 10:00 AM and interment at Cathedral Cemetery. A luncheon reception in Donna's honor will follow at the Lackawanna Station Hotel.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.