Donna M. Elmendorf

Donna M. Elmendorf, age 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in the company of her loving family. Donna was born on December 6th, 1943, in Schenectady, NY to the late Donald and Evelyn (O’Leary) Sutherland.

After graduating from Mont Pleasant High School, Class of 1961, Donna held administrative positions for several Schenectady employers, and later held a longstanding position as Controller for Lane Press of Albany, Inc, whom she retired from. Donna was a warm and caring person, her way so gentle, her heart so big - a “sweetheart” so long as you didn’t rile her “Irish” with something that offended her! Outside of her work, she enjoyed many outdoor activities with partner Mark and his kids, including hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and generally enjoying the Adirondack landscape. She also loved the ocean, and enjoyed her many trips to Cape Cod. She was a devout animal lover, having many dogs and cats over the years, and a prolific bird feeder. For more than twenty years, she and Mark hosted Christmas Eve for five families of friends in their rural log home, an annual tradition. She enjoyed many years of good times at the Hunting Camp in Wells, summer and winter, with many family friends of all ages, and loved traveling, from flights to Vegas, to train rides in the Fall foliage. Her passing leaves a hole in the heart of many.

Donna is survived by her beloved companion and soulmate, Mark A. Carroll, and his daughters, Vicki A. Kelch, and Nancy A. Knoll, son-in-law, John R. Kelch, granddaughter, Amy Favero and family, and grandson, Christopher M. Kelch, all whom she cherished as her own children. In addition to her parents, Donna is preceded in death by her brother, Michael Sutherland.

All are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, from 4-6 PM, at White-Van Buren Funeral Home, 1779 Main Street, Delanson, NY.

A Funeral Service will be held the following morning, Friday, February 6th, at 11 AM, at the funeral home.

Interment will conclude the afternoon at Saints Cyril and Method Cemetery, Rotterdam, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered to Howes Cave Animal Hospital, 521 Caverns Rd., Howes Cave, NY 12092.