Donna L. Rucker

Donna Lynn Rucker entered into eternal rest on Tuesday. March 3, 2026. She was 72 years loved. Donna was born on Sunday, January 3, 1954, in Chester, Pennsylvania. Donna was the second of four daughters (Patricia, Donna, Theresa (Terri) and Larcena) born to Joe Robert Rucker and Theresa Dorothy Price Rucker. Donna accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior through Baptism at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church at a very early age. She was a lifelong member of IHM Church which is currently now Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church. Donna was educated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Parochial School System. Her formative years were spent at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Elementary School in Chester, Pennsylvania. During her years at IHM School, Donna participated in Operation Discovery and was a member of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). Both organizations focused on development of our youth through Christian faith. Donna graduated from the eighth grade in 1967. Donna advanced to Notre Dame High School for Girls in Moylan, Pennsylvania, graduating with the Class of 1971. Post high school, Donna enrolled in Goldey- Beacom Junior College. She graduated from Goldey-Beacom with an Applied Associate of Science (AAS) Degree in Medical Technology, Class of 1973. Goldey-Beacom Junior College was Donna’s first employer. Upon graduating, the College offered her a position in the administration office. Donna remained with the college for several years. To further advance her career, Donna accepted a secretarial position at The Scott Paper Company’s major manufacturing site in Chester, Pennsylvania. During her tenure with Scott Paper, Donna received numerous accolades from managers and peers alike. No project or assignment was too difficult for her to master. Donna continued to hone in on her skills through reading, taking classes and attending seminars. Donna was a consummate professional. Donna represented the Scott Paper Company by co-chairing their United Way Campaign. Donna remained employed by Scott Paper for more than 20 years, separating only due to an economic downturn in the economy and the company’s decision to downsize. After her tenure at Scott Paper, Donna accepted a position as an administrative assistant at Joseph A, Stong Plumbing & Heating Company. Donna worked for Joseph A. Stong for just a few years before her career took another purposeful turn. Donna began her final, but most rewarding position at the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District as the Assistant to the Principal at Strath Haven High School. The school services more than eleven hundred students at any given time. Donna as she had done during her entire career continued to be the glue that kept everything together. Donna had many responsibilities during her time at Strath Haven, but managed them all with professionalism and grace. She enjoyed working with the teachers as well as the students. She was the coordinator for year- end programs, assuring that the Award Ceremony and Graduation were successful. Donna would spend hours making sure that each student’s name was on the program, spelled correctly and in the proper order. She wanted to make sure that every student received their flowers. This was Donna’s favorite time of the school year. Donna and her colleagues continued their strong bond into her retirement. Birthday dinners, visits and phone conversations made Donna smile. In 1984, Donna became a Mother. Donna gave birth to her only child, a son, Kevin Robert Rucker. Kevin became the light and love of Donna’s life. Kevin Sr., her grandchildren, Kevin Jr., Karim and Kayla, her predeceased daughter-in-love Xytaha (Tay), and her bonus grandchildren Xyla Robinson and Antwaun Freeman brought Donna an immeasurable amount of joy! Additionally, “Miss Donna” was the neighborhood Mom that would feed you, cloth you and give you a place to stay. Her wisdom, kindness and generosity extended a helping hand to many. Donna was an outstanding cook. You were guaranteed to get an excellent meal @ 2615. Donna prepared her legendary roast beef and gravy every year for the IHM Church Reunion. It was one of the most requested entrees on the menu. Donna was preceded in death by her father Joe Robert, her sister Theresa (Terry) Marie and her brother-in-law Willie Miller. Donna leaves to cherish her memory, one son Kevin Rucker Sr., three grandchildren Kevin Jr., Karim and Kayla Rucker-Muhammad, two sisters Patricia Brame (Fred), Larcena Miller, one bonus sister Darine Banner, one niece Lesley Brame, three godchildren Karla Johnson, Braheem Rawlings, and Jabree Beauford, bonus children Kamar Artwell, Felecia, Ronald Jr., Dymere, Jarmar and Kyle Johnson, Devon Johnson, Paris Church, Amir Swain and D’Quan Cottman, Jamasce Lowrie, Christopher Miller, Donna Lynn Rucker beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, niece, cousin, godmother and friend left an indelible mark on everyone that was blessed to know her. Donna will be forever missed! If you would like to give a gift of love in honor of Donna Rucker, please consider donating to National Kidney Foundation. Click link below: https://www.kidney.org/ In memory of Donna Rucker (Honoree) Recipient Email Address – larcena.918@gmail.com Recipient Name – Larcena Miller (Sister)

Donna L. Rucker

January 3, 1954 - March 3, 2026