Donna J. Houser

Donna Jean Rabenstine Houser, 82, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on February 24, 1943, in Hanover, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Charles E. and Betty (Heltibridle) Rabenstine.

Donna grew up in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, where her love of music and learning first took root. She was a graduate of Littlestown High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Mansfield State College (now Mansfield University), followed by a Master’s degree in Music from West Chester University.

She devoted 30 years to music education, most notably teaching middle school orchestra in the Cumberland Valley School District, where she was known as a steady and supportive mentor to her students. During her tenure, she was selected as Teacher of the Year and was also recognized through inclusion in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. In addition to her public school career, Donna taught private piano lessons for more than 55 years, guiding generations of students with quiet encouragement, patience, and high standards

Music was not only her profession but a lifelong calling. She served for more than 50 years as a church musician, first at First United Presbyterian Church in Newville and later at Allison United Methodist Church in Carlisle. Throughout her life, Donna was active in many professional and civic organizations, often serving in leadership roles. She was a devoted member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the professional honor society for women educators, and of the Carlisle Musical Arts Club, where she shared her musical talents and encouraged younger generations to continue pursuing their love of music.

Donna was a lifelong learner and an avid reader, rarely without a book nearby and often with a highlighter in hand. She especially cherished gathering monthly with her book club friends, a tradition she enjoyed for more than 20 years. She greatly enjoyed traveling with her husband, Ken, as well as with family and friends, both throughout the United States and to five continents abroad. She carefully preserved those memories through journals, creative scrapbooks, and, in later years, thoughtfully crafted PowerPoint presentations she shared with others. At home, she frequently found joy at the piano, where music remained a constant companion.

She was known to family, friends, and students alike as a steady, dependable presence — someone whose care and encouragement were often expressed quietly, but always deeply felt. As a wife, mother, and grandmother she offered the same devotion and thoughtful support, creating an environment grounded in stability, learning, encouragement and love. Her life reflected a commitment to service through education and a belief in the lasting power of music to shape minds and spirits.

Donna was a devoted wife to M. Kenneth Houser for 61 years. She is survived by her husband; her children, Brian Houser, Michelle Perkey (Mike); her grandchildren, Megan Heathman (Garrett), Quin Malm (Brice), and Kirk Malm (Karisma); and her great-grandson, Lukas Heathman.

She was a faithful member of Carlisle United Methodist Church. In later years, she faced Alzheimer’s disease with quiet dignity and grace, supported by the loving care of her family and devoted caregivers.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, February 14, at Carlisle United Methodist Church, with family visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Donna’s ashes will be interred in the Carlisle United Methodist Church interment garden in a private family ceremony. Arrangements are being handled by Hoffman Funeral Home, Carlisle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Carlisle United Methodist Church, 333 South Spring Garden Street, Carlisle, PA 17013, or the Carlisle Musical Arts Club, 120 South High Street, Newville, PA 17241. Condolences and memories may be shared at the Hoffman Funeral Home website.