Donna Geiger, 74, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, passed away on March 2, 2026. Born on April 2, 1951, in Tupper Lake, New York, she was the beloved daughter of Robert and Mary Duhaime.
Donna lived a life rooted in faith, service, and compassion. A devoted parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Denver, NC, she generously gave her time as a catechist teacher, worked closely with the stewardship community within the church. Her faith was central to her life, and she proudly served as her husband’s sponsor when he converted to Catholicism.
From an early age, Donna’s heart for service was evident. As a candy striper in her youth, she discovered her calling to nursing—a vocation she would faithfully pursue throughout her life. She graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Syracuse, New York, and went on to serve patients in hospitals across upstate New York and Virginia Beach before eventually settling in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. There, she was a proud member of the inaugural team that helped open Sisters of Mercy Hospital, now Atrium Health in Pineville, NC.
She was the president of her school newspaper. Her love of community began in childhood with involvement in 4-H with her mom Mary, and living on a farm, where caring for animals, especially horses, and embracing responsibility shaped her strong, compassionate spirit—affectionately guided by the steady influence of her beloved Pepe. Known as the “Golden Child” being the first grandchild on both sides of the family.
Donna married the love of her life, Ron Geiger, in 1993 after years of being next-door neighbors, blending their families into one filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Much of their early years were spent at ballfields and school events—cheering on their children at sporting events, supporting extracurricular activities, and volunteering at school fundraisers.
Donna had a special talent for finding treasures at flea markets and Goodwill and took pride in being a savvy bargain shopper. As their family grew, so did her joy—especially when she moved to Denver, NC to help care for and support her grandchildren, who became the true focal point of her heart.
After moving to the Fairfield neighborhood community, Donna quickly became a beloved and active presence, serving as HOA President and founding a neighborhood women’s luncheon group that continues to this day. She built lasting friendships there before later moving to Fort Mill.
Retirement brought new adventures. Donna and Ron traveled across the country and overseas, often exploring in their motor home. She proudly supported her husband’s beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, hosting spirited watch parties for family and friends. One of her personal goals was to visit all 50 states, and she cherished the many she was able to experience, especially those traveled with her husband.
She found simple joy in watching sunsets on the beach, getting lost in a good book, and spending time with her constant canine companion, whom she adored as a proud dog mom to Chewy.
As the proud oldest sibling, Donna embraced her role as big sister with love and devotion. She shared an extraordinary closeness with her brothers and sisters—a bond that was truly special. Whenever she was with her family, the strength of their connection was unmistakable. She lived her life guided by the strong morals and values instilled in her by her father, lovingly known as “Popcorn.”
She is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Geiger; her parents, Robert and Mary Duhaime; her siblings, Sue Desmarais (Mickey), Debbie Papier (Don), Roberta Duhaime, Edmond Duhaime (Sue) and Jon Duhaime; her children, David Ashton (Jill), Craig Ashton, Philip Geiger (Erika), and Matthew Geiger (Elizabeth); her cherished grandchildren, David McCall, Mark Ashton, Bryce Ashton, and Amelia Geiger, and 17 nieces and nephews, 25 great nieces and nephews, one great-great nephew. Preceded in death by Amanda Mary Thwaits (niece).
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church Building Fund, 537 NC-16, Denver, NC 28037.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on March 24, 2026 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until Mass.
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