Plan for the Future
Donna Cali-Charles, 63, passed away peacefully on September 4 at Manor Care Health Services in New Providence, NJ after a brief struggle with cancer.
Donna was born to the family of Louis and Colleen Callari in Rochester, NY on September 7, 1951. She relocated to Chatham, New Jersey in 1975, where she raised her daughters Kimberly and Kristin. Donna was a loving, hard-working, kind and generous woman who cared deeply for her family, friends and her community. She was courageous, articulate and fought for the causes she believed in. Donna was the founding Chairperson of the 9-11 Committee and Foundation, a member of the Planning Board, Sign Committee and other community boards. Her hard work and dedication has made an everlasting impact on Chatham and its residents.
As a mother she was loving, devoted and supportive. Donna raised her daughters to be capable, independent, compassionate people. She was a tender spouse who shared her heart and her life with her husband, John. Donna was the core person who united her family and made sure that the house was a home where all were wanted and welcome.
Donna is predeceased by her father Louis Callari, her step-mother Angela Callari, and her biological mother Colleen Callari.
She is survived by her husband John, her daughters Kim (Richard) and Kristin (Dave), her former spouse David Cali, and her siblings , Steve(Big), Margaret, Kathi, Wally, Louis, Steve(Little), Anthony and their spouses. She also leaves behind her beloved granddaughter, Olivia.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Wm. A. Bradley & Son Funeral Home, 345 Main Street, Chatham, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Church, 85 Washington Ave., Chatham, NJ. An interment will follow at Fair Mount Cemetery, Chatham, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Chatham 9-11 Memorial Foundation, PO Box 42, Chatham, NJ 07928.