Eileen Hoefner Knauth RIP

 Clarence alumna ('72) Eileen Hoefner Knauth passed away on January 20, 2026 after a stay with hospice. Although we did not live that far apart, my last in person memory of her was running into her at a Noco gas station on Main Street in Clarence...funny how some things stick decades later.  

From the obit page:  Beloved wife of the late John Knauth; loving mother of Colleen C. Springer, Rebecca M. (Sean) Sciabarrasi, Kelly C. Knauth Brown and Kathleen E. (Matt) Whittemore; grandmother of 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Her daughter's heartfelt words provide a glimpse: "She was brilliant, quick-witted, and could do anything—fix, create, laugh, love with her whole heart. I’ll forever miss our guitar nights, her fingers finding the melody first, her voice wrapping around mine. I’ll miss her stories that made us cry with laughter, and those deep, late-night talks about life, faith, and everything that mattered. She raised four daughters with fierce, shaping love, teaching us to sing before we could talk, filling our home with music that still lives in me. She worked hard, danced till dawn, and in her sixties, built two huge gardens in scorching heat—hands in the dirt, joy in her soul."

Rest in peace.

Donna Fisher Taglang RIP

Clarence alumna ('72) Donna Fisher Taglang passed away after a short time in hospice on March 7, 2026. May she rest in peace and her family and friends find comfort in their memories.

From the obituary on International Cremation (Florida location): 

"It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for her life that we announce the passing of Donna Lee Taglang, who left this world peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the age of 71. 

Born on July 13, 1954, in Clarence, New York, Donna lived her life filled with warmth, passion and dedication. Donna was a beloved member of both her family and community. 

Her career was marked by her tenure as a dedicated manager at the Sunglass Hut at Countryside Mall, where she retired in 2010, where her commitment and enthusiasm were evident to all who had the privilege of working alongside her. Donna spent 4 years working part-time for “Made in the Shade” at Johns Pass, where she inspired her colleagues with her leadership and grace. Outside of work, Donna had a zest for life and a wide array of interests. She found joy and serenity in creating Diamond Art, and solving crossword puzzles. Donna was an avid reader; she could often be found engrossed in a good book by the beach. 

Donna’s love for the ocean and its inhabitants led her to become an active member of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. She was proud of her involvements with the Sea Turtle Team, where she contributed to the preservation and care of sea turtles. 

Donna is preceded in death by her father Dayton Fisher, mother Ester Johnson Fisher, brother Dan, and great-niece Cassandra.  

Donna’s legacy continues through the love she shared with her husband of 51 years, Paul Taglang. Her kind spirit and gentle nature will also be fondly remembered by her brothers, Doug and Dean Fisher, and her five nephews: David, Corey, Scott, Jeff, and Peter Fisher, great-nephew Nicko. 

As those who loved Donna gather to commemorate her remarkable life, they find comfort knowing that she touched the lives of so many with her kindness and unwavering spirit. Though her departure leaves a void, her memory shines brightly in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her."