Ruth Ann (Verno) Donaldson

Ruth Ann Donaldson, 80, of Houston passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at her home while surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on March 5, 1937 in Canonsburg to Joseph and Irene Milligan Verno, who preceded her in death.

On December 31, 1960, she married James Donaldson, who survives.

A 1955 graduate of Canonsburg High School, Mrs. Donaldson was also a graduate of a secretarial program at Robert Morris Business School.

She went on to serve as a secretary for Alcoa in downtown Pittsburgh for nearly a decade. Later in life, she was a secretary for nearly 18 years at Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pa. until she retired in 1999.

A faithful member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Canonsburg since birth, Mrs. Donaldson believed strongly in the power of prayer. She was eternally devoted to her family as a wife, mother and grandmother, and to those who knew her best, she was a kind, giving, selfless soul who always placed the needs of others before her own.

She was also a gifted cook who specialized in made-from-scratch meals and Italian dishes, and her homemade cookies made Christmas special every year.

In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by her only son, Jeffrey J. Donaldson (Cynthia) of Cranberry Township, Pa.; her beloved daughter, Jennifer L. Mele (James) of Houston; one sister, Dorothy Giaquinto (Jenio) of Canonsburg; four cherished grandchildren – Sarah and Zachary Donaldson, and Jacob and Juliana Mele; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert J. Verno (Jane).

Friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 29, 2017, and Tuesday, May 30, 2017 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where departing prayers will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg. Entombment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church.