Jeanne Donlon

Jeanne M. Donlon, 91, of Pennington, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on August 5, 2025.
Born in Amsterdam, NY, Jeanne was the daughter of the late Frank J. Mercurio and Maria Giovanna "Jenny" DeStefano Mercurio. She was predeceased by her sisters, Mrs. Marie Hastings and Sister Gloria Mercurio.
Jeanne graduated from St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam and earned a B.S. in Nursing from The College of Saint Rose in 1955. She later received her M.S. in Nursing from Columbia University and taught nursing at Helene Fuld and Mercer Hospitals in Trenton, NJ. In a remarkable second career, Jeanne earned her J.D. from Temple University in 1976 and worked as an attorney for the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres Program, retiring as Chief of Legal Affairs in 2000.
She married Thomas F. Donlon in 1957; he predeceased her in 1997.
Jeanne is survived by her son, Mark F. Donlon (Amy C. Donlon), and daughter, Karen Donlon Letonoff (Chris Dolfi); three grandchildren, Gillian R. Letonoff, Victor T. Letonoff III, and Thomas F. Donlon; five first cousins; seventeen nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
A dedicated public servant, Jeanne served two terms as a Pennington Borough Councilwoman and spent many years on the Borough Planning Board. She was a devoted volunteer at the Pennington Public Library and enjoyed playing tennis and bridge. She traveled widely throughout her life, with fond memories of trips to China, Cambodia, Europe, and Cape Cod.
She will be remembered for her intellect, independence, generosity, and love for her family and community.
There will be a celebration of life for family and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the Pennington Public Library, 30 N. Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534. Or online at: Penningtonlibrary.org/get-involved/make-a-contibution