Obituary of Stephanie M. Donato

Stephanie Marie Donato (née Indrisek), a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 16, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was 93.

Stephanie is survived by her four devoted daughters, Darlene Rooney and her husband Jay, Lee Anne Stanley and her husband Jerome, Karen Donato, Laurie Mindnich and her husband Stephen; her son-in-law, Gary Scotti; 13 cherished grandchildren, Jason Sacco, Jonathan Sacco (Krystle), Brynn Finn (Evan), Jerome Stanley, Jr. (Katie), Jacqueline Connors (Keith), TJ Stanley, Kelli Albert (Michael), Veronica Dipini (Zak), Katerina La Morgese, Andrew Mindnich, Christopher Mindnich (Kevin Dowling) & Peter Mindnich (Kelsey); 15 great-grandchildren, many loved nieces, nephews & extended family members, and many lifelong friends.

In addition to her parents, Stephanie was predeceased by her daughter, Toni Scotti; her granddaughter, Sarah Sacco; one sister, Julia Martinko; and one brother, John Indrisek.

Stephanie was born and raised in Toronto, Canada to the late Jan and Katerina Indrisek. She arrived at Drew University in Madison when she was just 19 years old, and shortly after she met her husband, the late Anthony J. Donato, at St. Vincent Marrtyr Church.

Stephanie’s family was everything to her and she was a wonderful mother and grandmother. Everyone that knew Stephanie loved her and her positivity was infectious. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends…and was always ready for a party. She especially loved to dance. It was well known by her family and friends that every day at 5:00 p.m. Stephanie would unwind, enjoying a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and some conversation.

Stephanie was a lifelong parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church and was deeply spiritual. She was a loyal friend and was always willing to help others, giving with her entire heart.

Stephanie also loved nature and being outdoors. She was known for her beautiful gardens and love of flowers, especially gardenias. She enjoyed feeding wild birds in her yard and even had a pet cockatiel named “Tweety” for many years.  Stephanie took great pride in her home. She collected antiques of all kinds and had a deep appreciation for art, being a talented artist herself.

Stephanie was an extensive world traveler and felt fortunate to have been able to travel to so many countries and have so many wonderful experiences.

Stephanie always put her daughters first and she worked hard to provide a good life for them. She put her five daughters through college, as well as herself, then went on to earn her master’s degree in human development. Stephanie had a long career as the Director of Career Development at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, and before that as the Director of Student Activities at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Stephanie has left behind a tremendous legacy and has made her mark on the world. Her family will remember her for generations to come. She will be deeply missed by all the lives she touched.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Stephanie to be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who wish may attend the mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org

Interment will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable contribution in Stephanie’s memory to Habitat for Humanity, 322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709-3543