Donna Marie Kuczynski

Donna Marie Kuczynski, (nee: Trautmann) 90 years of age and a resident of Amherst, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Mercy Regional Medical Center following a full and meaningful life. She was born October 10, 1935, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. For the past 50 years, she had made her home in Amherst, where she devoted herself to her family, faith, and community. Donna attended St. Mary Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She worked faithfully as a registered nurse at St. Margaret Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania, caring for others with compassion and dedication throughout her career. She was employed for several years at the offices' of Dr. Wagner, Dr. Rittennour, and Dr. Evans, faithfully serving the patients that came in. A devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amherst, Donna was deeply involved in church and community activities teaching Sunday School for many years and taking part in prayer groups. Outside of Church, she donated her time and energy to The Easter Seals Society and Altrusa , charitable organizations serving the community. After leaving nursing, Donna found a second calling as a storyteller. She participated in and served as president of WRAPPS (Western Reserve Association for the Promotion and Perpetuation of Storytelling), she hosted a storytelling show on local tv, and mentored children through storytelling at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amherst and St. Mary Catholic Church in Vermilion. She performed live storytelling for years and when this became no longer possible, she continued with storytelling online, most recently with the 'Ours in the Water' and 'Love of Dunbar' groups. Donna had a warm and gentle spirit that touched many lives, and she will be remembered for her kindness, devotion, and caring heart. She is survived by her children, Christopher W. Kuczynski (Lucia), of Brazil, and Kathryn 'Kate' Kuczynski; and her granddaughter, Yasmin Kuczynski. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Thaddeus 'Teddy' C. Kuczynski, on July 23, 2015; her son, Thaddeus 'Thad' Kuczynski, on November 13, 2009; her sister, Willa K. Trautmann and her parents, William and Catherine Trautmann (nee: Berry). Friends may call Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst. Reverend Fr. Timothy O'Connor will officiate. Rebroadcasting of services will be available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com. Burial will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Easter Seals, 141 W Jackson Blvd Suite 1400A, Chicago, Illinois 60604 or to the Youth Storytelling WRAPPS Program c/o St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst, Ohio 44001. For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.