Donna Joy Weakland

Donna Joy Weakland, age 88, of Strongsville, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 30.  She was born in Marietta, Ohio to the late Frank and Geneva Chapman (nee Byers).  Her father was a Methodist pastor so her family moved to various parishes in Ohio during her childhood.

She was a devoted wife to Eugene Weakland (deceased) for 62 years and the loving mother of Jeff (deceased) and Sue, who survives her.

Joy grew up with a love for music, both vocal and piano, singing at church at a young age, and graduated from Kent State University with a music education degree. She loved teaching music in the Parma Schools, then when there was a need in the district, went back to school to focus on special education, where she spent the rest of her career, first as a teacher and then as a supervisor in several counties.

Besides her love for music and education, Joy had a love for her church, Pleasant Hills United Methodist Church in Middleburg Heights.  Together with Gene, they were founding members of the church in the early 1960s.  She had many roles there, including belonging to the choir, being a lead in their Madrigal Dinners, preaching as a lay minister, being a Stephen Minister, and holding several positions at the district level.  She enjoyed her time as a member of the “Bible Buddies,” a group of pastors who met regularly.

Joy and Gene enjoyed traveling extensively after retirement for about 15 years.  Joy was a great support to her husband Gene in his decorated Scouting career, and was a strong, independent, well-read, wise individual.  Many people’s lives were touched over the years as a result of Joy’s service to education and her church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Hills United Methodist Church, 13200 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, 44130  or the Gene and Joy Weakland Campership Fund of the Lake Erie Scout Council (Lake Erie Council BSA, P.O. Box 93388, Cleveland, OH  44101).

A memorial service will be held at Pleasant Hills on Saturday, December 14 at 12:00 p.m.