Donna Dickson Forsythe

Donna Dickson Forsythe

2/18/2024

Donna Dickson Forsythe, mother of three and friend to many, passed away peacefully at age 83 on February 18, 2024.

Donna was born in 1940 in Jefferson County, New York to parents Leon and Helen Dickson. Though she loved her childhood in northern New York, spending every summer skiing and swimming at Lake Bonaparte, she came to realize that “snow” was a dirty word. Upon earning a medical technology degree from Alfred State College, she traded that snow for sunshine and promptly moved down to Deland Florida to join her parents. She was hired to establish the laboratory department at the newly constructed West Volusia Hospital. Subsequently, she worked there as a Laboratory Technician and eventual Supervisor for over 38 years. Through her dedication, the hospital laboratory team became her extended family.

Though she was very dedicated to her work, Donna still found time to raise her three children and become an advocate for their activities. She was a 4-H leader for many years, shaping youth (including her own), into future leaders.  Donna was also a baseball, softball and dance mom, chaperoning outings, games, and competitions. Donna was not just a mother of three, she was a mother to many.

After retirement in 2000, Donna remained very active in the community. She hosted a stock club with friends, was a member of the Volusia Rose Society, adding to the beauty of Deland, and had many roles at her church, United Methodist Church of Deland, which included Sunday School Teacher and Treasurer.  Donna also held positions in Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonel Arthur Erwin Chapter.  She was a great genealogist and overall enthusiast of history.

Donna is survived by her children, Karen Marie Forsythe, Charles Louis Forsythe, and Amy Forsythe Fernandez, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Phyllis Orton, Bethany Wheeler, and Francis Jennings. Donna will be remembered for the heart she shared with family and friends. She carried herself through life with dignity and strength. She will be missed dearly.

Memorial services will be held at Lankford Funeral Home, 220 E New York Ave, Deland, Fl.  There will be a visitation on March 2nd at 4pm. Family and friends are invited to come and share fond memories and stories.