Donna Ann (Deen) Kovalevich

Donna A. Kovalevich (nee Deen) of Oaklyn, N.J., passed away suddenly on September 21, at the age of 74, after a valiant fight due to complications from surgery. She was born November 13, 1945 in Wilmington, DE, the daughter to Sarah and John Deen and grew up in Haddon Township, NJ as the eldest of four siblings; Jack Deen (Carol), Elizabeth “Betty” Lieber (Martin) and David Deen (Carla).

The loving wife to F. Joseph Kovalevich for 51 years, mother to Keith Kovalevich (Lindsay) and Denise Kovalevich (Brian Quinn), and aunt to many nieces and nephews, her biggest joy was her three grandsons Jack, Kane, and Hayes as well as her grand kitty Zimmy.

Donna devoted her life to helping others, particularly the senior citizens of South Jersey. She not only founded Senior Citizens United Community Services (SCUCS) but grew it to become one of the largest non-profit organizations providing health, transportation, and in-home services to the elder community.

Prior to forming SCUCS, Donna was an editor at The Suburban/Courier Post newspaper in Cherry Hill, NJ and spent several years as an independent publicist and consultant in the NJ and Philadelphia areas.

She was a graduate of Rutgers University South Jersey and Camden Catholic High School, where she excelled at English and writing and served on the school newspapers.

Donna’s dedication to her community was admired by all. She was endlessly volunteering with both of her children’s athletic teams, including the Oaklyn Swim Team and Oaklyn Soccer and Little League Teams and, in her later years, was an advocate for preserving the Oaklyn Memorial Library by helping to organize countless fundraisers and auctions.

Donna led a passion-filled, purposeful life, especially when it came to her Philadelphia Phillies. Win or lose, Donna was their biggest fan (2008 and 1980 were her greatest years!). She also enjoyed time with her family at their Sea Isle City shore house, reading her favorite books, and most of all just being “Grandmom.”

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday morning, September 25th at 10 AM at St. Joseph The Worker Parish, St. Aloysius Church 37 W. Haddon Ave. Oaklyn. Guests will be required to wear masks and will be socially distanced. There will be no receiving line.

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to SCUCS 537 Nicholson Rd Audubon, NJ  08106, www.SCUCS.org or The American Cancer Society 1851 Old Cuthbert Blvd. Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 www.cancer.org #crerancelebration #heartfelt