Donna Jean Vaughn

Donna Jean (Shields) Vaughn died October 11, 2026 at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. A Western Pennsylvania native, Donna was the daughter of George Shields and Jenevie “Jane” (Kirchner) Shields. Donna was preceded in death by Robert “Bob” Vaughn, her beloved husband of 60 years, and her brothers Richard Shields and Patrick Shields.

Donna was full of life and enjoyed living life to the fullest. She was employed as a secretary and bookkeeper by Westinghouse and the Borough of Beaver. Donna and Bob were actively involved with the Girl Scouts, leading many canoeing, hiking and camping trips to Canada. In the early 1980s they moved to Asheville, NC where they spent many happy years along with their beloved dogs, Buffy and Rufus. While in Asheville she served as a docent at the Biltmore House and Gardens, was an active member of her local P.E.O chapter, and volunteered at Central United Methodist Church of Asheville. An outstanding cook and hostess, Donna enjoyed nothing more than entertaining her family and friends. Donna loved music and later in life took up the harp, playing for her own enjoyment and for family and friends. She and Bob traveled extensively, and they spent 13 wonderful years wintering in Telluride, CO where she skied into her 70s while also volunteering at the local elementary school and making friends with every dog she met. Donna’s final act of kindness was to give the gift of life through organ, tissue, and cornea donation.

Donna is survived by her sisters-in-law, Jeannie MacDougall of Atascadero CA, Lois Shields of Maricopa, AZ, and Susan Shields of Gibsonia, PA, many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins along with many dear friends that she considered her family.

A Celebration of Donna’s life will be held in Beaver, PA on Friday, October 23 at Noll Funeral Home Inc, 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, with visitation from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and a service at 12:00 PM. A service and interment of her ashes in Asheville, NC will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Central United Methodist Church. Donations in her memory may be made to the P.E.O Scholarship Fund peointernational.org/make-a-gift/#donate (AC/Asheville Chapter) or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com