Obituary of Donna Gaster
Donna L. Gaster, 65, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at JFK Medical Center in Edison.
Born in Plainfield, Donna was a lifelong resident of South Plainfield.
She was the Legislative Aide to Senator Patrick J. Diegnan Jr., a career she valued for almost 40 years.
Donna loved her home and found joy in gardening, decorating (especially for Christmas), and DIY projects. Her warm home became the center of her family for many years for holiday events and celebrations.
She opened her doors to many rescue and foster dogs throughout her life, volunteered with dog rescues, and loved taking long walks with her dog, Tina.
She spent her summers at Midway Beach in Seaside— always making sure she had the first spot on the beach.
Donna spent her free time shopping with friends, checking out yard sales, and restoring old furniture finds. She was always available for her friends and family and showed up for everyone, always.
Donna was selfless and a great listener— a friend to everyone and an enemy to no one.
She will be remembered by her friends and family through sunshine, beaches, country concerts, giggles, and wagging tails.
Predeceased by her parents John R. Cotone and Gail P. Cotone, surviving is her son Christopher Gaster of Alpha; sister, Cheryl Cotone of South Plainfield; brother, John A. Cotone of South Plainfield, her nieces and nephews, Tammy, David, Hollie, John Eric, Ryan, Jenna, Kayla, John E., Dante, Anya, Jake, Sophia, Sara, Ava, and Benjamin as well as her lifelong best friends and chosen sisters Kathy, Alyson, and Mary.
The Memorial Gathering for relatives and friends will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 4-8pm in the McCriskin – Gustafson Home For Funerals 2425 Plainfield Ave. South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to k9’s For Warriors https://k9sforwarriors.org/