Donna Muller, a woman whose spirit embodied both fearless independence and profound devotion, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of courage and unconditional love that will resonate through generations.
At just seventeen, Donna made a decision that would define her character for life: she left home leaving behind abuse and trauma. So, she did what any teenager looking for a fresh start and adventure would do, she joined a traveling circus. In an era when young women were expected to follow conventional paths, Donna chose the extraordinary, embarking on an adventure that spoke to her brave heart and hunger for a life less ordinary. Those early years on the road shaped her into someone who understood that home wasn't a place but something you carried within you.
Motherhood became Donna's greatest calling and truest joy, beginning with Moriah, her stepdaughter and first child. In Moriah, Donna discovered that love isn't defined by biology but by choice and commitment. She embraced Moriah with her whole heart, loving her as dearly and completely as any of her other children. This bond set the foundation for the kind of mother Donna would become—one who understood that family is built through devotion, not just DNA.
Her children Kody, Kayla, Justin, and Kyle transformed her world just as Moriah had, and together they became her entire existence. From the moment each of them entered her life, they became her reason for everything. She poured herself into raising them with the same fearlessness she had once brought to running away with the circus but now channeled into fierce maternal love.
Donna's heart, however, was too expansive to stop at five. Her home became a sanctuary for her children's friends who were navigating difficult times. She had an uncanny ability to recognize when a young person needed more than just a playdate—they needed a safe haven, a warm meal, and someone who cared. Without fanfare or expectation of recognition, Donna would quasi-adopt these children, opening her doors and her heart to give them what they needed most: a loving home and the feeling that someone was in their corner. Among those who found refuge in Donna's embrace were Mike Zoltek, Samuel Brussack, Susan Whilden, and Gabrielle Jacobs- young people who came as friends but stayed as family. Many, including these four, called her "Mom" because that's exactly what she became for them when they needed it the most.
Donna celebrated every victory as her own, weathered every struggle beside her children, and loved them with an intensity that left no doubt about where her heart resided. And she extended that same unwavering love to the extended family she created through sheer compassion.
Donna's journey from circus runaway to devoted mother and grandmother to guardian angel to so many reminds us that courage takes many forms, and that the bravest adventure of all might just be opening your heart completely to love—and then opening it even wider.
She is survived by her children Moriah Reynolds (Tommy), Kody, Kayla, Justin, Kyle (Lisa), Mike Zoltek, Samuel Brussack, and Susan Whilden, her grandchildren Cheyenne Mace, Vernon Mace ( Alyssa), Laurance Mace ( Elizabeth), John Mace (Macy), Sara Crimins, Michael Skiff, Lillian Porreca, Braeden Skiff, McKenna Skiff, Virgo Garland, and by countless others who were blessed to find refuge, nourishment, and love at her table and in her home.
Donna did not wish to have a funeral service. Once we receive her ashes back and have had some time to grieve privately, we will have a celebration of life in New Jersey. We want to respect her wishes but also give some closure to all of those who loved her. In lieu of any flowers, donations to Hope One Cape May County in her name are appreciated.
At just seventeen, Donna made a decision that would define her character for life: she left home leaving behind abuse and trauma. So, she did what any teenager looking for a fresh start and adventure would do, she joined a traveling circus. In an era when young women were expected to follow conventional paths, Donna chose the extraordinary, embarking on an adventure that spoke to her brave heart and hunger for a life less ordinary. Those early years on the road shaped her into someone who understood that home wasn't a place but something you carried within you.
Motherhood became Donna's greatest calling and truest joy, beginning with Moriah, her stepdaughter and first child. In Moriah, Donna discovered that love isn't defined by biology but by choice and commitment. She embraced Moriah with her whole heart, loving her as dearly and completely as any of her other children. This bond set the foundation for the kind of mother Donna would become—one who understood that family is built through devotion, not just DNA.
Her children Kody, Kayla, Justin, and Kyle transformed her world just as Moriah had, and together they became her entire existence. From the moment each of them entered her life, they became her reason for everything. She poured herself into raising them with the same fearlessness she had once brought to running away with the circus but now channeled into fierce maternal love.
Donna's heart, however, was too expansive to stop at five. Her home became a sanctuary for her children's friends who were navigating difficult times. She had an uncanny ability to recognize when a young person needed more than just a playdate—they needed a safe haven, a warm meal, and someone who cared. Without fanfare or expectation of recognition, Donna would quasi-adopt these children, opening her doors and her heart to give them what they needed most: a loving home and the feeling that someone was in their corner. Among those who found refuge in Donna's embrace were Mike Zoltek, Samuel Brussack, Susan Whilden, and Gabrielle Jacobs- young people who came as friends but stayed as family. Many, including these four, called her "Mom" because that's exactly what she became for them when they needed it the most.
Donna celebrated every victory as her own, weathered every struggle beside her children, and loved them with an intensity that left no doubt about where her heart resided. And she extended that same unwavering love to the extended family she created through sheer compassion.
Donna's journey from circus runaway to devoted mother and grandmother to guardian angel to so many reminds us that courage takes many forms, and that the bravest adventure of all might just be opening your heart completely to love—and then opening it even wider.
She is survived by her children Moriah Reynolds (Tommy), Kody, Kayla, Justin, Kyle (Lisa), Mike Zoltek, Samuel Brussack, and Susan Whilden, her grandchildren Cheyenne Mace, Vernon Mace ( Alyssa), Laurance Mace ( Elizabeth), John Mace (Macy), Sara Crimins, Michael Skiff, Lillian Porreca, Braeden Skiff, McKenna Skiff, Virgo Garland, and by countless others who were blessed to find refuge, nourishment, and love at her table and in her home.
Donna did not wish to have a funeral service. Once we receive her ashes back and have had some time to grieve privately, we will have a celebration of life in New Jersey. We want to respect her wishes but also give some closure to all of those who loved her. In lieu of any flowers, donations to Hope One Cape May County in her name are appreciated.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donna Agar-Skiff, please visit our flower store.
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