Dona C. Remensnyder

Dona C. Remensnyder, 70, of Colts Neck, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on September 27, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born in Glen Ridge, NJ, Dona was the daughter of the late Nicola and Helen (Testa) Celfo. She grew up in Aberdeen and graduated from Matawan Regional High School. After high school, she became one of the first female toll collectors on the Garden State Parkway, a roll she took on with pride. After starting her family, she lived for a time in Pompano Beach, FL before returning to New Jersey and settling in Colts Neck where she lived for the last 30 years.

Dona was once the life of the party, a true social butterfly whose energy lit up the room. She had an effortless way of making friends wherever she went, turning strangers into companions with her charm, wit and genuine warmth.

A lover of music and dancing, she never missed a chance to move to a good song or share a story that kept everyone smiling. Her curious spirit drew her to the mysteries of life, from her fascination with true crime and psychic readings to her deep compassion for animals and the people she loved.

Creative at heart, she found joy in crafting and decorating, always adding beauty and personality to everything she touched. Her friends were like family, and she cherished every moment spent laughing, celebrating, and simply being together.

Above all, Dona’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved her children with all her heart and was endlessly proud of the people they became. She also adored spending time with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life and brought her immense joy and pride.

Dona is survived by her loving children, Derek Remensnyder of Haskell and Danielle Remensnyder of Spring Lake; her beloved grandchildren, Dylan and Heidi; her sister, Elena Kwiecinski of Keyport; her niece, Katelyn Kwiecinski of Morganville; and her loving uncle, Carmen Celfo of Southampton. She also leaves behind many special cousins and dear friends.

Though years of debilitating illness slowed her down, Dona truly lived, loved deeply, and left behind memories as colorful and joyful as the life she led. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, proud grandmother, passionate animal lover, and a woman of extraordinary resilience. She will be missed beyond words, but her spirit endures in the lives she touched.

The family will be holding a private celebration of life at a later date.

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ - JerseyShoreCremation.com