Obituary of Donna J. Ahlbrandt

Donna Jean (McDermott) Ahlbrandt left us on October 12, 2024 at the age of 39 (yes she was born in October 1950, but she was 39). Donna loved her husband of 56 years, Don. The stories of her throwing a coffee table at Don's head in her younger days were hugely exaggerated; it was a small end-table at best. Mom often joked that she was "leaving" Don to Kim or Donald. We didn't think she was serious, and are currently playing Rock/Paper/Scissors to see who gets Dad. Mom did not want a funeral, service or obituary, although she did think bagpipes would be "cool." Mom adored her children Kim (aka "Kimberly Ann Patricia" when in trouble) and Donald ( never "Don"), and her grandchildren Katie and Pat. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and they could do no wrong, ever. She went through life loving her family, including brother Jackie and his wife Sue, and her nieces and nephews Nicky, Krissy, Jess and Em. Mom also adopted Carey-Beth (always Carey-Beth), Gayle, Jeannie and Bonnie. I apologize if I've forgotten anyone, the oversight is mine, not Mom's—she loved you all. To her "Peeps" at the Ocean County Library, her friends and co-workers: You meant the world to her. She spoke of you often and always with great love and affection. Her book clubs, knitters, Kens Kitchen, Outreach and Homebound visits were some of her favorite things. She enjoyed spending time with you all and you all made her very happy. Thank you. When you think of Donna, please remember she sent cards, so many cards. Birthday cards, thinking of you cards, encouragement cards, sympathy cards, care packages and letters. Honest to God handwritten letters, and her handwriting was beautiful. She crocheted baby blankets, scarves, afghans and cross stitched beautiful works of art. We have located only a fraction of her craft stash, and are slightly amazed at the amount of yarn and cross stitch floss she has hidden away. Her favorite things were always her people, but she loved the color yellow, the Fall when the leaves changed color (especially in the Pocono Mountains), Star Trek (especially the originals with William Shatner), chocolate, her cup of tea, Martin Truex Jr, funnel cake, the Star magazine crossword puzzle, Walt Disney World, Chinese take-out on Christmas Day, and the motto, "God hates a coward." In Lieu of any flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society. We miss you already Mom.