Dr. Donna Biernacki McLaughlin, 70, of Mountain Top, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family at her home on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Donna was born Feb. 5, 1955, in Ashley, to Alice and Dr. John Biernacki. She was the devoted wife of 46 years to Dr. William McLaughlin Jr., with whom she built a beautiful life. She was the proud mother of four children, Megan, Shaun, Julie, and William. Her love, selflessness, and kind-hearted strength made her the steadfast heart of her family. She inherited this from her beloved mother and best friend, Alice Biernacki.
She is also survived by her brothers, David and Ronald Biernacki; her daughters-in-law, Jillian and Ashley McLaughlin; her son-in-law, Derrick Hoggard; and her grandchildren, Damian, Sawyer, Liam, and Danika, who brought her endless joy.
She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. John Biernacki, and her brother, John Biernacki III.
A graduate of Bishop Hoban High School, Penn State University, and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Donna dedicated more than 35 years to practicing optometry at Biernacki Eye Associates in Wilkes-Barre and Mountain Top. She cared deeply for her patients, treating them all like family, and felt blessed to be able to do something she loved as a career.
Donna's Kitchen was the gathering place for so many people. She enjoyed nothing more than sharing delicious meals with loved ones and watching the birds from her window. She treasured her time in Florida, Wordle, crosswords, her morning cup of coffee, and was a dedicated fan of Penn State and the Eagles, rarely missing a game.
The communities of Ashley and Mountain Top held a special place in her heart, shaping the woman she was. She served many organizations throughout the years, but was the proudest of her work with the Pennsylvania Optometric Association and the Mountaintop Rotary Club.
Donna was a woman who met life's challenges with remarkable humility, courage, and grace. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love that will live on in all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Cancer Wellness Center and/or Northeast Sight Services are appreciated.
Celebration of Donna's Life takes place in the Church of St. Jude, 420 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, and a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m.
Share memories and condolences with Donna's family at mjmclaughlin.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Heather Balester
January 25, 2026
I was so sorry to learn of Donna's passing. She was indeed a bright presence in the world and will be missed.
Tom Dougherty
January 19, 2026
My sincere condolences.
John and Sterling Dougherty
January 18, 2026
John and I were extremely saddened to hear of Donna´s passing. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to her mother, Alice, and to the Biernacki and McLaughlin families. Donna was warm, kind and caring and as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She will be missed by many.
John and Sterling Dougherty
Phoenixville, PA
Sent from my iPad
Tara Giarratano
January 16, 2026
Dr. Biernacki took care of us for many years. She was a special person and great doctor
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Margaret McGlynn
January 16, 2026
Dear Alice and the mclaughlin family. We are so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. The mountain won't be the same without Alice and Donna taking their daily walk Our prayers and thoughts are with you Peg and Ray mcglynn.
Polly Verneski Joyce´s daughter
January 15, 2026
I´m so sorry to hear of Donna´s passing. My mother Joyce Verneski was Donna´s friends and nanny to her children growing up. My mom loved the children and the dog Hershey and followed all the news as they grew up. Donna was so kind to me as Joyce´s daughter "Polly" as well. My mom and Donna are both with our lord and will have a lot to catch up on now. God bless you.
Bill Ostroski
January 15, 2026
I am so extremely sorry for your loss Biernacki and Mcglaughlin families. Lived across the street from Doc and family growing up on Hartford Street in Ashley. She n Doc were our eye Doctors forever n were as good there as they were people. My prayers and condolences are with you all.
Billy Ostroski
Louise & Mike Doles
January 15, 2026
Our sincere sympathies to Donna´s family. May the Lord be with you.
Alice, we are sorry to hear of your daughter´s passing. My sister, Lina Schifano always had wonderful things to say about your family and she loved you all dearly.
Sincere sympathies, Louise & Mike Doles
(Lina´s sister & brother-in-law)
Mara Pawlenok
January 15, 2026
The former Bishop Hoban High School swimming community will forever remember Donna for her special smile, her support of not just Julie, but the entire team! We have fond memories of swim meets, pizza parties hosted by the McLaughlin family, and the trips to States. Condolences to the McLaughlin family. May God hold her in the palm of his hand.
The Bishop Hoban Swim Community
Mara Pawlenok, Beth Mangan, Athletes, Parents
Joan Diakun
January 15, 2026
So sorry to hear of Dr. Donna's passing. She was a great eye doctor. She was always pleasant and smiling. Professional yet down to earth. My family and I have missed her upon her retirement. May she rest peacefully.
Melissa H
January 15, 2026
I'm so sorry for your loss. Donna was my eye doctor for a few years when my family moved to Mt. Top, she was always so sweet and kind.
Susan Nied Lee
January 15, 2026
I´m so sorry to hear of Donna´s passing. My prayers are with you. May she rest in peace.
Susan Nied Lee
Joann Hartley
January 15, 2026
We are so sorry about the loss of Donna. Her father took care of my family for years and then my husband and I went to her in Mountaintop. She was very professional and will be missed. Our condolences to the entire family.
Alice Sippel
January 15, 2026
To the McLaughlin and Bernacki family...
Our sincere condolences...
DR.Donna was a kindhearted and and remarkable person...She will absolutely be missed by all who knew her...rest in peace!....Alice and Marty Sippel
Lina and John Schifano, Florida
January 15, 2026
Rest peacefully dearest friend Donna!
You will always be in hearts and in our prayers . Our deepest condolences to our dear friend, her mom Alice and family. So sad, we share your painLina and John Schifano, Florida
Cindy Hollock
January 15, 2026
Dr. Donna's family, What started 30 years ago as a business relationship between Dr. Donna and I quickly became a warm friendship. It was a privilege to have known her so well and I will never forget her thoughtfulness and kindness; she was like the sister I never had. As a team, our goal was to provide a cherry atmosphere and be gracious to all who entered her practice; our community is visually richer for her having lived and submitting herself to the needs of others. With great personal sorrow I ask to share your loss and extend my heartfelt sympathy. I'm sure
her heavenly greeting was "Well done my good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Lots of Love, Cindy Hollock and Family
Cindy Hollock
Jan 15, 2026
Lucy and Frank Presta
January 15, 2026
Our Deepest condolences to Bill, Alice and family! May she rest in peace, and pray for us. Lucy and Frank Presta and family
Alice Bonner
January 15, 2026
Dear Alice and McLaughlin Family we are so sorry to hear about your beautiful Daughter passing please accept our condolences may your daughter Donna rest in peace sincerely Jerry and Alice Bonner Daytona Beach Florida
Barbara Yanak Wywiorski
January 15, 2026
I was blessed know Donna for over forty years. She was an inspiring optometric mentor, kind employer and gracious friend. My deepest condolences to the family.
ken savitski
January 15, 2026
dr donna, thank you for all that you and your family have done for eyecare in nepa, the profession of optometry in our state, and for being the master host of many optometric meetings in our area. all of our love and sympathy to the biernacki-mclaughlin family . dr ken and pdg pam savitski
Tim
January 14, 2026
Donna was a loving wife, a great mom and a wonderful friend.
To Bill and family thinking of you during this difficult time. Sending you love and strength. REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE DONNA. We surely missed you. Tim and Lorna Evans
Joseph Speziale Mountaintop, PA
January 14, 2026
To the McLaughlin & Biernacki family, sorry for your loss.
May God give all of you the strength to carry you through this sorrowful period of your lives.
R. I. P. Donna
jack dean
January 14, 2026
our condolences, jack and lisa dean
jack dean
January 14, 2026
our condolences, jack and lisa dean and family
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Funeral services provided by:
M.J. McLaughlin Company142 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

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