Donna A Mara

Donna Ann Mara (née Fedroff)
March 23, 1965 – September 20, 2025
Donna Ann Mara, of Manasquan, NJ, formerly of Madison, NJ, passed away peacefully on
September 20, 2025, after a brave and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She faced her
illness with remarkable strength, never losing her humor, her love for life, or her determination
to fight all the way to the end.
Born on March 23, 1965, Donna lived a life filled with energy, love, and laughter. She was a
strong, dedicated, and loving woman whose greatest joy came from her family. She was the
devoted wife and soulmate of John J. Mara Jr., with whom she shared 32 wonderful years of
marriage after meeting when they both worked at KPMG. Together, they built a beautiful life
filled with laughter, adventure, and love. She was the proud and devoted mother of John J. Mara
III (Jack) and Benjamin W. Mara, who were the center of her world.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Donna loved watching sports with her family and played golf,
pickleball, and tennis. She was an avid fitness lover who thrived on staying active. A true foodie,
she delighted in cooking and sharing meals with those she loved. She especially cherished
evening bike rides and watching sunsets at the Manasquan Inlet.
Whether volunteering in her sons' schools, cheering from the sidelines at their youth and high
school sporting events, or hosting family and friends, Donna's life revolved around making
memories that would last forever. She was also a proud member of the Manasquan Women's
Club, where she enjoyed friendships and opportunities to give back to her community.
When she became ill, Donna reminded her family of her guiding philosophy: "Life is for living."
These words reflected how she had always lived-with courage, energy, and joy.
Donna will be remembered not only as a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt, but also
as a cherished friend to many. She had the rare gift of making people feel valued, and her
warmth and laughter touched all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband John, her sons Jack and Benjamin, her mother Marie Wruble, and
her sister Bethann Heinbockel (Matt). She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and close
friends who were like family.
Above all, Donna's favorite thing in the world was spending time with those she loved. Her
legacy of love, strength, and laughter will live on forever in the hearts of her family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 10-11am at St. Denis Roman Catholic Church, 90 Union Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736, with a Mass of Christian Burial to take place at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna's memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network)) by going to PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org. Tosend condolences to the family, please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.