Obituary of Donna Lynn Fernandez

Donna Lynn Fernandez passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, February 20, 2022.  She shared 68 years of love and faith with her family.  Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 24th from 4pm to 7 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 25th at 10 am at the funeral home.  Interment to Denville Cemetery.  Donations in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society.  

Born in 1954 to the late Joseph and Terry Spiankowski, Donna was the oldest of two daughters to bless the family.  After her schooling, she started working at Warner Lambert as an executive assistant.  It was there that she met Victor Fernandez, the love of her life. They were married on April 12, 1978.  After getting settled in Parsippany and having two daughters, Donna took a different path when she started working for Littleton Elementary School where she was a paraprofessional working with special needs children. This gave her much joy and fulfillment each day.  She had an amazing ability to form a special connection with each and every one of “her kids.”

At home, she enjoyed crosswords, Sudoku, and needlepointing. An avid reader, she participated in many book clubs. One of her all-time pleasures was watching “I Love Lucy” and throwing out one-liners from the show. A self-described “enhanced” redhead,Donna’s infectious laugh and a beautiful spirit will never leave us. Above all, Donna loved her family.  She and Victor were able to spend much time together as retirees. She adored her girls.  Although we are brokenhearted, we take comfort in knowing we will see her one day again in Heaven.

She leaves joyful memories to her husband, Victor, of 43 years; her daughters, Nina Fernandez (Matthew Torres) and Lisa Guerra (Ernest); her step-grandchildren, Anthony and Levi Guerra. Aside from her parents, she was predeceased by her dear sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Robert Williams, and bysister-in-law, Lillian Fernandez.