Donna Matthews Walcott, 93, of New Providence and formerly of Summit, passed away on March 5, 2024. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church in New Providence at 10 am on Monday, March 11, followed by private interment, at a later date, in Cotuit, MA.
Born in Boston, Donna was the daughter of Laurence and Mary (Langan) Matthews. She was raised in Pelham, NY, graduated from Pelham Memorial High School in 1948 and from the College of New Rochelle with a bachelor’s degree in history.
She was married to John C. “Jack” Walcott for 70 years, and they lived in Park Forest, IL and Darien, CT and Summit before moving to New Providence seven years ago. She and Jack were members of the Canoe Brook Country Club and the Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes, VT, where they had a summer home on Lake Champlain.
Donna was an avid bridge player throughout her life including a successful 7 no trump bid a week before her passing.
A homemaker, Donna devoted her life to the service of others. She was a volunteer with the Events and Facilities committees at Lantern Hill in New Providence. She was one of the founding members in 1964 of TWIG 22 of the Overlook Hospital Auxiliary. She was active in the conception and development of the Caregivers Center at Overlook Hospital.
Donna is survived by her loving husband and by her three devoted children, Laura Cromarty (Jay), Peter Walcott and Christopher Walcott (Keana). She also is survived by her cherished grandchildren, Andrew Cromarty, Ryan Cromarty (Mitali Mirle), Catherine Walcott, Arden Walcott and Alara Walcott.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna’s memory may be made to the Overlook Foundation, 46 Beauvoir Ave., Summit, NJ 07901.