Donna Lynn Bannister, age 63, of Montour Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025 at Geneva General Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. Donna was born on May 9, 1962 in Elmira, NY to the late Richard D. and Norma (Rennells) Bannister. The fourth of six children, she grew up in Montour Falls, NY.

Donna was predeceased by her mother, Norma (2020) and father, Richard (2024); and by her eldest brother, Richard. She is survived by her son, Darren Covert of Penn Yan, NY; brothers, Tom (Debbie) Bannister and David (Kim) Bannister, both of Montour Falls, NY; and sisters, Laurie (Mike) Hanlon of Horseheads, NY and Cheryl (Mike) Herold of Montour Falls, NY. She will also be fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews, whom she loved deeply.

Donna was a graduate of Odessa-Montour Central School, Class of 1980. She began working at Schuyler Hospital, where she was trained to perform blood draws for the lab. She quickly became a patient favorite because of her gentle and proficient care. She also worked at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, in their laboratory services department. Donna spent the last two decades caring for her parents, so they could remain at home together through their declining health. She gave them loving care, with unquestioning sacrifice.

Donna was a member of the Montour Falls United Methodist Church and also volunteered her time for many years to the chicken BBQ dinners at the Montour Falls Fire Department. She was a talented painter of ceramic and wood crafts, as well as a wonderful cook and baker, with numerous requested recipes. She treasured her Sunday movie nights with her family, as they watched Walt Disney films and a roaster full of popcorn. Donna went on to become the "BINGO Queen" of Clinton Crest Manor, where she most recently resided, and where she also made many friends.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Robert Burke for his many years of caring for Donna, as well as Dr. Park and the ICU staff at Geneva General Hospital, who cared for Donna in her final days.

Donna will be laid to rest privately at Montour Cemetery, Montour Falls, NY. Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1201 15th St. NW, Suite 410, Washington DC, 20005, the Montour Falls United Methodist Church Food Pantry, PO Box 309, Montour Falls, NY 14865, or to Schuyler County Home Delivered Meals Program, c/o Office for the Aging, 323 Owego St., Unit 7, Montour Falls, NY 14865.