Donna L. Callen

Donna L. Callen, 74, of Meadville, passed away Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Meadville Medical Center.

Donna was born in Titusville, on September 14, 1946, a daughter of the late LeRoy and Dorothy (Hoepfl) Besanson.

Donna was raised by the caregivers of the former Odd Fellows Home. After her 1964 graduation from Meadville High School, Donna graduated from cosmetology school in Erie. In her younger years she worked as a hair dresser at the former Betty's Beauty Shop in Fifth Ward. It was there that she met her life long friend, Donna McElhaney, who preceded her in death. In 1973 she moved to California and eventually returned to Meadville where she enjoyed being a homemaker. Here she became a second mother to countless children that she helped to raise and she was a primary baby sitter to so many families at Gill Village. Her love and compassion for others was without end.

Donna is survived by a daughter Kelly Lynn Callen of Meadville; three grandchildren Carson Johnson, Liam Johnson, Mason Stokes; two brothers Gerald Besanson, Richard Edwards; her former husband Thomas B. Callen; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by a brother James Besanson.

Family and friends are invited to call from 1-3 PM on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT STREET, MEADVLLE, where funeral services will follow at 3 PM. CDC guidelines will be followed.

Donna will be laid to rest in Union Cemetery, Guys Mills.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com