Mrs. Donna Shaffer Thrush, 77, of Greencastle, PA, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 27, 2025, following an extended illness, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on September 16, 1948, in Waynesboro, PA, Donna was the daughter of the late Merle and Mary (Hoffman) Shaffer. From an early age, she possessed a gentle heart and a deep concern for others, qualities that would define her life and lead her to a career devoted to caring for those in need.
Donna resided most recently in Greencastle but previously lived in Harrisburg, PA, while attending school and following graduation. She earned her Registered Nursing degree from Polyclinic Hospital in Harrisburg, where her natural compassion and dedication to others made nursing not just her profession, but her calling. Polyclinic Hospital was her first place of employment, followed by positions at Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Lutheran Social Services. Throughout her career, Donna exemplified the true spirit of a nurse, always placing the needs of others before her own, worrying not out of fear, but out of love and concern for those she cared about.
On June 27, 1970, Donna married the love of her life, Harold Edward “Ed” Thrush, in Greencastle. They shared 55 devoted years of marriage, rarely apart, always together. Ed felt truly blessed to care for Donna during her illness, just as she had spent a lifetime caring for others.
Donna was a member of the Greencastle Antrim Women’s Club and cherished time spent with her family. She especially enjoyed traveling together, trips to Williamsburg, shopping excursions to Lancaster, and relaxing vacations at the beach. A lifelong dog lover, Donna delighted in babysitting her beloved “grand dog,” Millie. Her family was the center of her world. She shared an especially close bond with her granddaughter, Madison, truly “two peas in a pod.” Donna’s kindness, attentiveness, and unwavering love left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.
In addition to her husband, Ed, Donna is survived by her son, Chad Thrush and his wife, Allison, of Shippensburg, PA; her granddaughter, Madison Thrush of Shippensburg, PA; her sister, Nancy Osbaugh and her husband, Ed, of Greencastle, PA; her sister-in-law, Maxine Wise of Stafford, VA; two nephews, Ty Osbaugh of Pittsburgh, PA and Tim Osbaugh of Waynesboro, PA; and a niece, Christina Wise of Stafford, VA.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, 521 S. Washington Street, Greencastle, PA, with Pastor Vic Moon officiating. The service will begin with a tribute from the Mason Dixon Nurses Honor Guard. Burial will follow at Parklawns Memorial Gardens, Chambersburg, PA.
There will be no public viewing; however, the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.
