Donna Lynn Panella

Born December 1, 1946, in Newark, NJ, she was a daughter of the late, Rex and Caroline Pierson Musgrave. After graduating from East Side High School, Class of 1964, she met her loving husband, Gerald Panella, while working as a waitress, and the two became inseparable. Together, they shared 55 wonderful years until his passing June 5, 2023.

In her earlier years, Donna enjoyed riding horses. She loved all animals and had a special affection for Shih Tzus. She could often be found relaxing and talking to her beloved geckos. Crocheting, sewing, and cooking were some of her favorite pastimes, and everything she made was done with love. She even passed these skills on to her niece.

Donna had a green thumb and seemed to have the magical ability to grow any plant. She could take a leaf and grow it into the most magnificent tree. She worked hard for her family, whether it was getting her son Anthony to every football game, keeping her house beautiful, or decorating for the holidays.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Kevin Panella and his wife, Theresa; Patrick Panella and his wife, Lucia; and Anthony Panella; grandchildren, Craig and his wife, Heather, Gabriella, Bianca, Alex, Gerard, Kacey, and Ciro Panella; great-grandchildren, Ciana, Savannah, and Cloe; her sister, Pamella Hauschild; and her loving nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are in the care of Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services, 1329 Route 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755.