Obituary of Donna Canfield

Donna Canfield passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Denville on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 with her loving family by her side. She had shared 65 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and priceless memories with family and friends.

Born and raised in Denville to Anthony and Joan Lanciano, she was one of three children to bless their household. After graduating Morris Knolls High School, class of 1970, Donna made a successful career for herself as a Teacher’s Aide; she worked for Wharton Public Schools, Celebrate the Children in Denville, and most recently St. Mary’s Prep School in Denville. She was a devout Catholic and dedicated member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Denville where she was a C.C.D. Teacher for 35 years and a member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society. Donna also ran the St. Mary’s Church Library for many years. To say she was an incredible, compassionate, giving woman would be an understatement. She adored her church family, her students and their innocence and inquisitive nature, and above anything else, her family. She married her best friend, Robert Canfield, in 1977; together they had three beautiful daughters whom they raised in Denville. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing we have the greatest Guardian Angel watching out for us from Heaven.

She leaves only joyful memories to her beloved husband, Robert; her cherished children, Noelle (Blake) Havekes of Denville, Faith Elizabeth (Richard) Canfield of Flanders, and Autumn (Lance) Canfield of Bear Creek, PA; her treasured parents, Anthony and Joan Lanciano; her loving siblings, Patricia (Richard) Schaars of SC and Anthony (Rob) Lanciano of MA; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Public Visitation will take place on Monday, October 4^th from 5 – 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, October 5^th at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ. Burial will follow at Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover. The family requests that donations be made in her memory to St. Mary’s Community Outreach Ministry, c/o St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Ave., Denville, NJ 07834. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Donna here to continue to celebrate her life and let the memories she gave to us radiate for many years to come.