East Berne- Donna Jeanine Filkins, a lifelong resident of East Berne, NY, passed away quietly at home on November 2, 2016. She was 60 years old. Donna was born in Albany, NY on May 4, 1956 to the late Myron and Violet Filkins. She graduated from Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School in 1974 and went on to earn a bachelors degree in Special Education from SUNY Geneseo. For the next 25 years, Donna worked as a bartender in some of Albany's most famous watering holes, making countless friends along the way.
Donna is survived by her sister Connie Filkins of East Berne, NY, her brother David M. Filkins of Westerlo, NY; her niece Megan Waldron of Portland, OR; nephews Judson Filkins of West Orange, NJ, David J. Filkins of Altamont, NY and Preston Filkins of Knox, NY; one great niece, Daisy Filkins and two great nephews David A. Filkins and Ari Filkins.
Donna was a generous and kind-hearted person, blessed with an uninhibited sense of humor and quick wit. In recent years, she led a quiet life, always grateful for what she had and never complaining. She delighted in family get-togethers, spending time with friends, going to concerts and the movies, and simply catching rays on a sunny day.She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and her devoted canine companion of 14 years, "Berne".
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2016 from 2-4:30PM at Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main St. Altamont. With a reception to follow at the East Berne Volunteer Fire House, 25 Main St. East Berne.
Donations in Donna's memory may be sent to The Next Step, www.thenextstepalbany.org or the Mohawk Humane Society, http://www.mohawkhumane.org/donate
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all of Donna's friends who supported her on her journey.