Donna Leigh Hawley, 72, of Middletown, passed away peacefully May 13, 2023.
Born in Stratford, Connecticut, to Andrew and Elizabeth German, Donna grew up in Connecticut with her sister Cynthia and two brothers, Kenneth and Drew. At 18 years of age, Donna married her high school sweetheart Frederick C. Hawley. They settled in Middletown where they raised their four children, Katharine, Frederick (Scott), John and Jamie.
While raising her family, Donna endeavored on a genealogical journey, whereupon after extensive research, she traced her roots all the way to William Brewster, Mayflower passenger and leader of the Plymouth Colony in New England. As a result, Donna became a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), serving as secretary of its local chapter.
While in her 40s, Donna continued her education, first at Brookdale Community College, then at Monmouth University, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Known as “Donna Skirt” for her dedication to the skirted nurse’s uniform, Donna worked on 4 South at Riverview Medical Center for 25 years, then per diem for another three years in Infection Protection.
Donna lived a full and vibrant life, relishing the joys of worldwide traveling and caring for her family and patients.
Donna was predeceased by her parents, Andrew German and Elizabeth Taylor, and by her sister Cynthia German.
Donna is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Frederick C. “Fred” Hawley; her four children, Katharine Capra and husband John of Raritan, Frederick “Scott” Hawley and wife Suzanne of Evanston, Illinois, John Hawley of New York, New York, and Jamie Hawley and wife Shelby of Thornton, Colorado; her two brothers, Kenneth German of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Drew German of St. Petersburg, Florida; her five grandchildren, Nick, Bailey and Justin Capra, and Jacob and Ellie Hawley; her three brothers-in-law, Robert Hawley and wife Patricia of St. Augustine, Florida, James Hawley and wife Kathy of Jacksonville, Florida, and Raymond Hawley of Stratford, Connecticut; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Donna’s life will be held at noon June 17 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank. Guests may begin to arrive at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater New Jersey Chapter, 23 Vreeland Road, #105, Florham Park, NJ 07932 or We Care Adult Care, 552A State Route 35, Red Bank, NJ 07701 (Union Square Shopping Center).
The article originally appeared in the June 15 – 21, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
