Donna A. Applegate, 75, a native of Holmdel, NJ was a beloved wife, mother, and Grammy. A positive light to everyone she encountered, Donna was the foundation of her family. She was fun-loving, supportive, open, and generous of spirit.
Donna was a graduate of Red Bank Regional High School and went on to serve as a clerk at Prudential Insurance in Newark, NJ. In 1975 Donna left Prudential in order to start her family.
She was an active volunteer with many committees and organizations including Girl Scouts and the Holmdel School System. Donna took pride in making her home a joyfully welcoming place for friends and family, and for anyone who needed a seat at the table. She enjoyed CBS Soap Operas, board games and puzzles, antiques, magazines devoted to home décor, and perhaps most of all loving her grandchildren.
After morning chores, the noon carillon at St. Catherine’s Church, on a summer day signaled it was time to head outside to her pool. A basket with a novel, a magazine, a hat, and an FM Radio was pure serenity to Donna. She loved flowers and beautiful landscaping, and enjoyed celebrating all holidays with family and friends, but most specifically Thanksgiving.
Predeceased by her parents William D. Ryder and Helen Lambertson Ryder, Donna resided in Red Bank, NJ with her husband of 52 years, Francis Wayne Applegate. She is survived by their children, Barbara Applegate and her wife Heather Drastal, James and his wife Erika, and Amy Applegate; and six grandchildren—Luis, Ryder, Tyler (and his mother Kim Zavetoski), Sutton, Gabriel and Gracie.
Donna is also survived by many friends, including her lifelong friends Dorothy Patterson, Sheila Harmyk, and Mary Ann Cavallaro. She loved animals and over the years had many pets, including Suzy Q. her cat.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 29th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 30th at 11 am at St. Anthony's of Padua Church, Red Bank. Burial will follow at St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Marlboro.
For donations to be made in memory of Donna, please consider the Fairview First Aid Squad or St. Anthony’s Church Food Pantry.
https://www.fairviewfirstaidsquad.org/donations.html
https://web.stanthonysofredbank.net/food-assistance-st-crispins
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