Donna M. Lombardo

Donna M. Lombardo (ne Marinella) of Butler , NJ passed away on Monday, March 5, 2018 after a very long and courageous battle with Lupus. She was the beloved wife of 50 years to Salvatore Lombardo and their dog Blake. She was the over generous and loving mother to her daughter, Donia Lombardo, & son-in-law Rich Latta and her son, Anthony Lombardo, and his partner, Cheryl Morris. She was "Nonna" to all of her grandchildren, Joey, Sal, Kevan, EJ, Tatiana, Corina, Christine, Andy & Richie. She was also the loving Nonna to her grandchildren's significant others, Travis, Vicky and Maria, all of whom she adored. She was the loving Great-Nonna to Christian and Angel. All of us, including Donna's close friends near and far, have lost someone so special and dear to us; she has filled our lives with immense love, endless hugs, great advice and her "twisted" sense of humor that has made us laugh and will leave us with wonderful memories of her. She was a free spirit with a positive attitude and extremely organized closets. She was the Martha Stewart of entertaining and a "giver" like Oprah. She was never afraid to try something new or take on a challenge no matter how difficult it might be. Donna attended Ocean County College graduating with a nursing degree. She worked as a geriatric nurse as well as a pediatric nurse and always believed that true nursing skills came from the heart first, even sharing this sentiment with the nurse caring for her the evening before she passed away. After retiring from nursing but still desiring to surround herself with the joy of children, Donna became the owner of Donna's Little's Darling's where she loved and cared for numerous children in her stone cottage daycare as if they were part of her own family. She and her husband Sal had built their dream home in Butler on 10 acres of land where they had horses, goats, chickens, a pig and various other animals to complete the life they'd dreamed of. Donna lived her life with grace, laughter and a heart that was non- judgmental and all-loving. She had "Lupus" friends across the country whom she'd met through various websites and organizations. She cherished those friendships and the support system that all of her Lupus friends were able to provide one another. Donna was cared for by medical professionals that she held close to her heart. Her family will forever be thankful for the care they provided her throughout the years. Donna embodied the spirit of an angel; in a book she gave to a grandchild many years ago she hand wrote a note which reads "even when we are apart our hands will still touch." May all of our hands continue to touch hers while we are apart....... A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 11am at Our Lady of the Magnificat, 2 Miller Road, Stone Chapel, Kinnelon, NJ 07405. Repass to follow at 12:30pm Portobellos Feast 175 Ramapo Valley Rd. Oakland, NJ 07436. Memorial Mass Our Lady of Magnificat RC Church Saturday, March 10, 2018 11:00 AM Email Details 2 Miller Rd.Kinnelon, NJ 07405 Small Chapel Directions