Donna P. Rech

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we share the passing of Donna Patricia Rech, who left this world on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison. She was 60 years old. Donna was a devoted parishioner of St. James R.C. Church in Woodbridge and will be remembered by many as an angel on earth.

Born in Newark and raised in Woodbridge, Donna made the town her home for 57 beautiful years. A proud graduate of Woodbridge High School, Class of 1983, she was known by all for her radiant smile, sparkling baby-blue eyes, and a personality that could light up any room. Her signature 80s-style, blown-out hair turned heads, but it was her warmth, kindness, and magnetic spirit that left a lasting impression.

To know Donna was to love her.

She was the heart of every gathering, the voice of reason, the life of the party, and the soul who made everyone feel like family. Her laugh was unmistakable, her hugs were healing, and her ability to lift others up was her greatest gift.

Donna was predeceased by her cherished parents, Carl and Marie Silagyi. She is survived by her devoted sister, Sheila Silagyi; her beloved daughter, Candice Marie Rech-the center of her universe; and Harley, the scruffy, sassy pup who only she could love.

More than anything, Donna was a mother. She was Candice's protector, champion, and biggest fan. She worked tirelessly-often two jobs-to provide her daughter with the best of everything, from a Catholic education to endless emotional support as Candice pursued multiple degrees and professional dreams. Their bond was unbreakable, their love immeasurable.

Professionally, Donna was a respected coordinator at Pathmark Corporation and later at Colavita Provisions. But her most important work was done at home-with family, with friends, and with the countless lives she touched.

Her roots ran deep, from New Jersey and California to Nova Scotia and Ireland. Donna found great joy traveling "across the pond," walking the land where her mother was raised, and connecting with her Irish family. It was her dream to one day live there with Candice by her side.

Donna loved the beach and spent countless days soaking up the sun with friends and family. Some of her favorite memories were trips to the Wildwoods with her parents and sister-traditions she later passed down to her daughter with regular getaways to the Jersey Shore, especially Sea Girt. Ever the adventurer, Donna cherished day trips. Many of which she took with her sister Sheila-whether heading into New York City to see the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, catch a Broadway show, or simply cruising down country roads in search of a farm stand or the perfect spot to apple pick.

The soundtrack of her life was rock and roll, the volume was always loud, and the search for fun was never over. Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, The Doors-She didn't just listen to music-she felt it. Whether swaying under the stars at a live concert or spinning through a spontaneous kitchen dance party, Donna made sure the music was always blasting and the energy never faded.

Donna had the rare ability to make everyone feel like family. Her high school girlfriends? More like soul sisters. Her neighbors? Instant friends. Her animals? Treasured companions. Her heart had no limits.

Holidays were her favorite excuse to gather loved ones-especially Thanksgiving, Easter, and her beloved Black Friday. Donna was the unofficial queen of bargain hunting, proudly leading early-morning shopping missions, coupon in hand and sparkle in her eye. Her holiday tables overflowed with delicious food, laughter, and unconditional love. Her famous stuffed cabbage, a family recipe from her Hungarian grandmother, was legendary and lovingly prepared year after year.

Her home was always open, filled with warmth, music, laughter, and pets-many, many pets. Donna had a deep love for animals, and throughout her life, she gave a home to countless cats and dogs, treating each as family.

Donna's life was defined by love-love for the Lord, her family, her friends, her community, and above all, her daughter. The world is quieter without her laugh, dimmer without her light, and far less fun without her spark. But her spirit? That will never fade.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 10:30am at St. James R.C. Church in Woodbridge, preceded by a 9:15am service from Gerity & Chubenko Funeral Home, 411 Amboy Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ. Private cremation will follow.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the funeral home.

In honor of Donna's lifelong love for animals, donations may be made in her memory to the Woodbridge Animal Shelter, 195 Woodbridge Avenue, Sewaren, NJ 07077

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