Obituary of Susan J. Donnelly

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Susan Donnelly, age 91, of Hazlet, New Jersey, who left this world on March 23, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on July 16, 1933, Susan lived a life rich in love and laughter. She was renowned for her strength and courage, along with her unwavering love for her family.

Susan touched the lives of many and will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. In her early years, she attended St. Luke’s School in New York City and was a devout Catholic. Susan married Donald Donnelly of Bellerose, Queens, and together they relocated to Hazlet, New Jersey, where they raised a loving family of seven.

Early in her career Susan worked at Charles of the Ritz Cosmetics Company before transitioning to a rewarding role as a teacher at Maple Place Preschool in Keyport, New Jersey. For most of her career Susan worked at various roles at Prudential Insurance Company in Holmdel, New Jersey. As a dedicated member of Holy Family Church, Susan was a pillar of her community; upon her retirement, she continued her passion for nurturing young minds as a CCD teacher and served as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Parish.

Susan was a proud former member of the Red Hat Society with a deep passion for travel, especially in the company of friends. Her adventures took her across the United States as well as traveling extensively throughout Europe. She found joy in exploring both new destinations and familiar favorites, always eager to experience the wonders the world had to offer.

Throughout her life, Susan demonstrated extraordinary dignity during times of hardship, relying on her faith to find the strength to persevere. Her legacy of kindness and devotion will forever resonate in the hearts of her family and friends.

Susan was predeceased by her parents, William and Susan Montague, a brother William Montague, Jr., her husband, Donald Donnelly and her oldest child, Marianne Donnelly Caruso. Susan is survived by her children, Donald Donnelly and his wife, Ileana , Michael Donnelly, Jeanne Mirchin and her husband, Matthew, Hugh Donnelly, Kevin Donnelly and his wife, Patricia, and Christopher Donnelly; fourteen grandchildren, Anthony, Michael, Alessandra, Marcos, Isabella, Connor, Jake, Liam, Lindsay, Melissa, Brianna, Shannon, Tyler and Devin; five great grandchildren, Madeleine, Callie, Olivia, Reina, and Blake; her sisters, Dolores Galligan and Patricia Pell; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at The Parish of Saint Mary, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Interment will follow in Fair View Cemetery, State Highway 35 and Oak Hill Road, Red Bank. Arrangements by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or HERE. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com