Obituary of Donna Smaniotto

Donna Marie Smaniotto, 73, of Hammonton, caring wife, mother and grandmother, left us to be with the Lord on June 20. Born in Vineland, Donna was the eldest daughter of Rita (Battestella) and Peter D. Smaniotto. Donna grew up in East Vineland and was a graduate of Vineland High School, class of 1970. She worked all her life as a bookkeeper for various South Jersey businesses, making friends wherever she worked. Donna loved riding horses throughout her lifetime. She loved animals, her favorites being dogs and horses. Donna was involved for decades with the South Jersey Dog Training Club and Beautiful Rancheros. She was a pillar of strength, a confidante, and the source of inspiration to those who knew her. Donna was an avid reader, often trading or giving books to people she knew or donating to the local nursing homes. Travelling to over 50 countries, Donna had a zest for travel, experiences, food, and meeting new friends. She loved planning lunches for her lifelong friends. A longtime member of the American Rhododendron Society, Donna had about 200 varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons in her yard, making it a magnificent sight every spring. Most of all Donna loved her family, dropping everything she was doing to help out whenever needed. She raised a beautiful daughter, and her two grandsons were her pride and joy. She loved feeding people and would often share her creations. Fussy friends, coworkers, and neighbors would try anything she cooked, just because Donna made it. Summer Sundays at her house were always open to family and friends to come eat and tube down the Greater Egg Harbor River. Bourbon slushies were a staple. Donna and her husband, Ed Muller, shared 43 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, adventure, and service to others. Together they created a home where everyone felt welcome and their partnership was one of the great joys of her life. Donna was an active member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, serving the Hammonton community for over 20 years by running the food pantry with her husband Ed. Donna was the first female member of the Saint John the Baptist society and one of the first women ever to push Saint John during the Mount Carmel festival. Donna was loyal, dependable, and true to her word. If she said she was going to do something, she did it. She found joy in the world, had an unwavering spirit and would always try to say something positive. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything! She will be missed dearly by her family and friends, who loved her very much and take solace in the many cherished memories they have with her. Donna is survived by her husband of 43 years, Ed Muller; her daughter, Janeen Yacovelli (Dominick); her grandsons, Phillip and Vincent Yacovelli; her sister, Maria Petrillo (Lawrence); her brothers, James Smaniotto (Susan) and John Smaniotto; and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Rita and Peter D. Smaniotto. A church visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30th from 9:30am to 11:30am followed by a funeral mass at 11:30 am from St Mary of Mount Carmel Parish, 226 French Street, Hammonton. Final disposition will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Donna may be made to: Saint Vincent de Paul society food pantry in Hammonton. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com