Donna Kwall Smith

Donna Sue Kwall Smith, Ph.D., 80, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, following a lengthy illness. Donna was a loving, devoted and adored wife, mom, grandma, sister and friend to all who knew her. She is survived by her husband of almost 57 years, John T. Smith, Jr., daughter Lauren Smith Scherling, son-in-law Eric Scherling, granddaughter Abigail (Abby) Scherling, brother Jeffrey Kwall (Roberta), and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Saul A. Kwall and Clara Sigal Kwall.

Donna was raised in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of Lincoln High School. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Chatham University and her Master’s and Doctoral Degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. With a multi-faceted career as a psychologist in Pittsburgh and Indiana, Pennsylvania, she engaged in and supervised school psychological and other educational services, taught graduate and undergraduate students at multiple universities, and had a private practice.

She and her husband, John, met in graduate school and being among the few who were just graduated from college, were described by their cohort as “the kids in the room.” Donna and John defended dissertations within a week of each other in 1971; after that, they said they were able to handle anything, including working in the same office for 33 years of their respective careers. Donna always said their best collaboration occurred with the birth of their daughter, Lauren, and they were equally thrilled to welcome Eric as their son-in-law. Donna and John retired from their full-time professional ventures and moved to eastern Pennsylvania in 2006; and, in 2008, their adored granddaughter was born. Having not been raised with a dog, Donna was hesitant to welcome their first miniature schnauzer in 1973, yet she quickly became a passionate dog lover for over 50 years.

Known for her warmth, generosity, thoughtfulness and genuine kindness, Donna had a gift for making instant friends with everyone she met. She was a wonderful listener, a constant source of comfort, and a steady presence in the lives of those she loved. Donna's love and care touched the lives of many, and she will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude.

In accordance with her wishes, funeral services will be private. In lieu of shiva, the family will be planning a remembrance event in the future. Memorial contributions in Donna’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/) or the Brandywine Valley SPCA (https://bvspca.org/).

Arrangements by Joseph Levine & Sons