Donna Aleknavage Obituary

Donna Aleknavage peacefully passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024 in the loving arms of her daughter Sonya after a short battle with liver disease. She was only 74. Donna was raised in Glendora, NJ. She grew up with one older sister Joanne and loving parents Joseph and Louella Walter (she called Toots). She was an avid comic book collector. She loved her monkey doll her mom made handmade baby clothes for. She lost her dad at young age of 13. She attended St. Joseph's High School in Camden. She continued her education at Glassboro State University obtaining a special education degree. Often, she hitchhiked her way to college. She was inspired to be a special ed teacher being touched by the life of her niece Lori. She worked hard every day of her life! At times 3 jobs at once! She bought her first car and gave it to her mom!
She met and married her late husband Frank (Francis) Aleknavage in 1975. They moved to Westampton in 1979 in their forever home in Tarnsfield. She started off in education at Edgewood middle school and completed her passion of teaching at Overbrook Senior high school retiring in June of 2009. Next up was her job of being a grandmother and one she gleamed with pride daily and went up the ranks to the GOAT of grandmoms! She is woven into all of her grandchildren's memories! Her favorite activities were wherever her daughter and grandchildren were! Often you could hear her cheering loud on the sidelines. She showed up willing to help always however she could! She was a mentor and confidant to many and loved and admired by all. She was generous and a kind gentle soul!
She leaves behind her daughter Sonya, who was her world, beloved son in law Dj Brown, 3 grandchildren which were her everything- Alanna, Danny and Brynnly Brown. They were the joys of her life! She as well is survived by 2 beautiful nieces and families Dawn and Michael Fountas, Hope and Steve Ammirato and nephew the late William and Nancy Myers. She was blessed with neighbors who were her extended family and long-term friendships.
She was welcomed into heaven by her dogs Hunter, Noodles, Brandy, Pepper and cats I am sure as well!
Donna was super patient, a phenomenal listener, valued and lived her faith and helped any and all she could in need! She was the first to lend a helping hand! She truly was one of a kind! Time together with those she loved were the jewels she valued most! She loved to read the paper, magazines, watch Lifetime or shows like the Good Doctor, Law and Order, Jeopardy or any shows her grandchildren enjoyed! She loved Charlie Brown and Snoopy, had a vast penguin collection. Her favorite Disney character was Goofy and she said my dad reminded her of him. She loved to send encouraging messages and texts, and she would end conversations with friends - take care girl! She touched so many in her selfless ways! In lieu of flowers please pay it forward in Donna's name with a kind deed!
Relatives and friends may visit on Wednesday, April 24 from 6-8 PM and Thursday, April 25 from 9:30-10:30 AM at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 1603 Marne Hwy., Hainesport. Interment will be private. For Donna, it was more about showing up than what you are wearing, comfort was her style, so please come dressed in whatever is comfortable to honor Donna.
"Thank you Mom for letting me grow my own wings, for letting me fly, for catching me when I fell, for helping me stand when I couldn't and for assuring me I will fly again, I have soared even higher Mom because you believed in me! We love you so much and will forever live with you by our side!
Often when I said I love you she said "ditto" back.
Mom's are a promise from God that you will have a forever friend!