Donna B. McLaughlin, D.O.

Dr. Donna Biernacki McLaughlin, 70, of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family at her home on January 13th.

Donna was born on February 5, 1955, in Ashley to Alice and Dr. John Biernacki. She was the devoted wife of Dr. William McLaughlin Jr. for forty-six years, 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 has been 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 thirty-five years to practicing optometry at Biernacki Eye Associates in Wilkes-Barre and Mountaintop. 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, wordles, 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 Mountaintop 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 Saint Jude, 420 South Mountain Boulevard in Mountain Top. On Friday, January 16, 2026, visitation begins at 10 AM and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM.

Share memories and condolences with Donna's family at mjmclaughlin.com