Donna Marie Lang

Mt. Laurel, New Jersey

After a decades-long battle with Multiple Sclerosis, the Lord relieved Donna of her suffering and welcomed her home to eternal peace.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Prospect Park, Donna was the beloved middle child of the large and lively Nelling family of 7th Avenue. Quiet and gentle by nature, she grew into a woman admired as a pillar of faith and strength.

Donna enjoyed a good crab cake and a hot cup of tea, not necessarily at the same time. She loved a trip down the shore, traveling to Mexico, and going to the theater with her sisters when she was still able. She was always put together and never left the house without her nails perfectly manicured and make-up flawless. As beautiful as she was, her inner beauty – her generosity, kindness, and thoughtfulness – was even greater. She gave to others far more than she ever sought to receive. Donna was a devout Catholic who served as a Eucharistic minister for years. She always insisted on sitting in the first row of church (much to Fran's annoyance) – closer to the altar, closer to God, as Fran would tease her. Her faith was a source of inspiration throughout her life, and strength as she faced the challenges of a chronic illness.

Donna welcomed her only son, Fran, at just 22 years old and was thrust into the roles of mother and father, provider, protector, confidante, and friend. In each one, Donna excelled and every moment of her life from that day forward was devoted to giving Fran the best life possible. Whether braving the crowds at Veteran's Stadium to take him to an Eagles game, cheering from the sidelines of countless football games, or simply being a constant, loving presence-Donna prioritized Fran until her very last breath. Their bond was profound, unbreakable, and beyond words-untouched by distance, illness, or even death.

Hardworking, independent, and ambitious, Donna found professional success as an underwriter with several mortgage companies throughout her career. It was during this time that she met and formed a friendship with Diana Roth, who introduced Donna to her father, Bill. In 1995, Donna and Bill were married at St. Gabriel's Church in Norwood, vowing to love one another "in sickness and in health." They kept that promise unwaveringly for the next 30 years. Bill's devotion to Donna was limitless, a shining example of selfless love.

Donna will be deeply missed by her husband, Bill Lang; her son, Fran Nelling (Shana); her cherished grandchildren, Cormac and Aidan; her siblings, Michael, Peggy Castaldi (Dominic), Eileen Smith (Bob), Mark (Terri), Barb McNamara (Pat), and John (Dawn); her in-laws, Josie Nelling, Bobbi Nelling, and Timothy Lyons; her stepchildren, Diana Roth and Michael Lang, along with their children and grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Donna's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Bettina, her loyal caretaker and dear friend, for remaining by her side until the very end.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Eileen; brothers, Fran and Patrick; sister, Ann Lyons; niece, Shannon Kerry Nelling; and nephews, Marcus Nelling and Kyle Smith.

Relatives and friends are invited to Donna's celebration of life on Friday, October 10, 2025 at St. Gabriel's Church in Norwood, Pennsylvania. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. followed by her funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Donna Nelling-Lang Memorial Fund benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaigns/Donna-Nelling-Lang-Memorial-Fund