Linda Stefan Donnelly

The visiting day and times and funeral day and time have been CHANGED

Linda Stefan Donnelly
January 18, 1949 – January 13, 2026

Linda Stefan Donnelly, devoted wife, beloved step-mother, and adored Nana, passed away on January 13, 2026, just five days short of her 77th birthday. She was born on January 18, 1949, in Newark, New Jersey, to Hildagarde and Walter Stefan.

Linda was an achiever from a young age. She graduated from Clifton High School in 1967 and continued her pursuit of knowledge at the Eastern School for Physicians’ Aides, where she earned her Medical Assistant certification in September 1968. Always dedicated to lifelong learning, Linda completed her Bachelor of Science Degree by attending night classes at Fairleigh Dickinson University while working full time.

Linda had a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years at Henkel Corporation, where she began as a Chemist and later excelled as a Sales Representative, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike for her professionalism, kindness, and work ethic.

Jack first noticed Linda’s beauty in the hallways at Clifton High School, but they never met until a mutual friend, Amy Vitale, played matchmaker by inviting them both to Christmas dinner in 1990 — beginning a lifelong partnership.

Linda shared 32 years, 5 months, and 12 days of marriage with her husband, Jack Donnelly, cherishing a life filled with love, family, and friendship. She also nurtured lifelong friendships and continued to stay in close contact with friends she’d known since grammar school, treasuring those bonds throughout her life. 

Her compassion for animals was a defining part of her life — Linda rescued over 25 cats during her lifetime, providing them with care, comfort, and loving homes.

She is survived by her husband, Jack, and his children: Jack Jr. (Susan), Jeff, and Melissa (Chris) Engdahl; their cherished grandchildren: Rhianna, Xander, Sadie, Jack III, and Brooke; and three beloved pussycats: Sam, Schroeder, and Chanel.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, February 1st, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Bizub Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Ave, Clifton. Funeral service 9:15 am Monday, February 2nd at the funeral home and Mass 10:00 a.m. at St. Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 797 Valley Rd, Clifton. Internment at the Cemetery of the Immaculate Conception at 712 Grove Street in Upper Montclair. The family warmly invites all who wish to stop by Rutt’s Hut in Clifton for a classic Ripper and a Marvis in Linda’s honor — a true North Jersey tradition and favorite!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Linda’s memory to the Feline Canopy of Care Cat Rescue by texting FCOC to 44-321 or via Venmo @FelineCanopyofCare.

Linda touched the lives of all who knew her not only with her warmth and generosity, but with her bright spirit and laughter that lifted every room — a joy that will be remembered and deeply missed.

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