Donna Marie Hayes (nee Grande) of Boonton, NJ was welcomed home by the angels on Thursday, November 5, 2025, after a long fight with cardiac illness. She was 75 years old.

Born in February 1950 in New York to James and Marie (nee DeBelonia) Grande, Donna was proud of growing up on Third Ave in the Bronx. The baby of the family, with two much older brothers, she thrived on the hustle and bustle of the city. The family eventually moved to Morristown, NJ and Donna graduated from Bayley-Ellard High School in Madison. Afterward, she went to work for the Mennen Company as a secretary. Donna was a hard worker, finally retiring as a business office supervisor at Morristown Medical Center.

Her life centered on her family. Donna enjoyed having everyone over to spend time together. She liked to cook for them and was good at it! Donna was a spiritual woman who appreciated spending quiet time reflecting and reading her Bible. She was a member of The Church of the Assumption in Morristown as well as Bethel AME Church in Madison.

Predeceased by her parents and her brothers, James Jr. and Salvatore Grande; Donna also lost her beloved husband “Donny”, Melvin Hayes, after a long illness.

Keeping her memory alive are her cherished children, James P. Barone, Jr. of Dover; and Marysa Hayes of Boonton; her adored grandchildren, Brielle, Brynnley, Destanie, Elijah, Damien and Annaleya; her in-laws; many nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Debbie.

Arrangements were made through Codey & Mackey Funeral Home of Boonton. Please visit CodeyMackeyFH.com to share condolences and memories with her family.