Donnalea Hope Thomas

Donnalea Hope Thomas, 57, a resident of Vineland, passed into eternal life in the comfort of her home on February 16, 2026.

Her loving and devoted husband is Dr. David H. Thomas with whom Donnalea celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on September 23, 2025. Since their first meeting in 1990 when Donnalea was a dental assistant and David was just beginning his career as a dentist, they have been what every couple strives to be, inseparable; true soulmates; the love of each other's lives.

Born on July 25, 1968, in Camden, Donnalea was one of five children born to the late Shiryl Ferrick Hope and Charles Hope. Her beloved uncle who was like a second father to her, Kenneth Hope, also preceded her in death.

Raised in Vineland, Donnalea was a graduate of Vineland High School, Class of 1987, and later went on to attain her Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from Philadelphia Community College in 2000.

Beginning her career in dentistry as a young woman, Donnalea worked as a receptionist, chart clerk and dental assistant before becoming a dental hygienist. For many years, she worked alongside her husband at their dental practice, The Dental Wellness Center, located in Vineland.

Beside her career as dental hygienist, Donnalea was a well-known fitness instructor at the Arts of the Dance and the Y.M.C.A., both in Vineland. She loved instructing others in Zumba, Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba, Piloxing (a combination of Pilates and Boxing), and Kickboxing.

Donnalea excelled at everything she put her mind to – she was an incredible cook; meticulous about her home, especially her immaculate flower gardens; and a connoisseur of fashion who always looked like she just stepped off a fashion runway – her fashion sense was her signature!

A lover of travel, Donnalea and David were blessed to travel often, traveling at least three times a year together to countless destinations in Europe and the Caribbean, and they loved their get-aways to Cape May. She was also a connoisseur of wine and champagne, and a lover of all of God's creatures, especially cats.

Although Donnalea's departure leaves a void that can never be filled, she leaves this world a much better place – love will be her lasting legacy, and her loved ones will never forget her zest for life. In her memory, do as she did, live each and every day to its fullest.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, David; her sister, Kathy Leonelli and significant other, Michael, Marlton; her brothers, Charles 'Bud' Hope and wife, Diane; Stephen Hope and wife, Cathi; and Paul Hope and wife, Donna, all of Florida; her in-laws, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and countless friends; and her beloved cats, Khloe and Indie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Donnalea's name to The Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, 6908 Railroad Boulevard, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, or online at https://funnyfarmrescue.org/honor-a-loved-one/

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11am until 2pm, followed by funeral services at 2pm at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland.