Donna Mae (Lane) Cailliau

July 5, 1942 – September 23, 2025

Donna Mae Cailliau, 83, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones and her beloved dog. Born on July 5, 1942, in Elmer, New Jersey, Donna lived a full and spirited life surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Over the years, she made her home in Bridgeton and Hancocks Bridge, NJ, before settling in South Pasadena, Florida, where she enjoyed the sunshine and her next adventure.

Donna worked for many years at PSE&G Nuclear Power Plant, where she was admired for her strong work ethic, quick wit, and unwavering spirit.

If you knew Donna, you knew she was fun, sassy, and unforgettably adventurous. Her laugh could fill a room, and her sense of humor could brighten anyone’s day. She was strong, resilient, and always ready to stand up for the people she loved. Her heart was as big as her personality, protective, generous, and endlessly caring.

One of her favorite sayings was, “Always take care of each other,” and she truly lived by those words. Donna loved animals, was a talented cook and baker, and took great joy in sharing her creations with family and friends. She loved to travel and experience new places; her adventurous spirit and zest for life were among her greatest gifts.

Donna is survived by her loving children, Charles Cailliau of Tampa, Florida; Deborah (Cailliau) Donelson of Indiana; and Tammy Cailliau of Florida.

She was a proud grandmother to London, Cash, and Cristiano Cailliau; Ashley, Juliane, Hillary, Jessica, and Joseph Donelson; and Megan and Brian Van Etten, along with several great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister, Rita Lane Cotte of Washington State, and her brothers, Willard Rocky Lane of Texas and David Evanoski of Upper Deerfield, New Jersey.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Helen Shiles Kille and Willard Hyre Lane, and her brother Earl Frank Lane.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Lower Alloways Creek Fire Hall, 15 Maple Avenue, Hancock’s Bridge, NJ 08038. Time to be determined. All are welcome—please come ready to share your memories, stories, and smiles as we celebrate the beautiful life of our mom, Donna.

Her love, laughter, and light will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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