Donna Lynne Lazar

Donna Lynne Lazar, born on July 23, 1954, in Spring Valley, New York, to Milton Petersen and Margaret Secora, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, at the age of 71 in Brownsville, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. Donna dedicated much of her professional life to accounting, a field she truly enjoyed. She worked for over 15 years in the accounting department at A & P Headquarters in Montvale, New Jersey. She later continued her career with Anthony & Sylvan Pools and Interstate Waste Management, where she worked in Accounts Payable. Her strong work ethic and love for numbers were evident throughout her years of service. Donna found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved traveling, especially going on cruises, and had a special fondness for shopping, most often for others. She delighted in giving, always thinking of her loved ones. Even in her final days, she continued to purchase Christmas gifts for her family, a testament to her generous and selfless spirit. Above all, Donna cherished the time she spent with her family. Known for her warm and welcoming nature, Donna had a remarkable ability to connect with others. She formed lasting friendships with everyone she met and was loved dearly by many. Her home was always open, and she became a second mother to many of her children’s friends, maintaining those bonds throughout the years. Donna also expressed her love through her cooking. Her family will fondly remember her signature dishes, including her potato salad, stewed chicken with capers, pepper steak, and shepherd’s pie meals that brought comfort and togetherness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton Petersen and Margaret Secora La Frentz. Donna is lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert Nickel of Brownsville; her children, Gary Lazar (Adalgiza Vega) of Brownsville and Tracy Lew (Frank) of Brownsville; and her six grandchildren: Anthony Forzono of New York, Austin Forzono of Brownsville, James Farrell of New York, Thomas Farrell of New York, Gavyn Lew of Brownsville, and Aidyn Lazar of Brownsville. She is also survived by her three great-grandchildren, Cody Dougherty, Madilyn Farrell, and Carlie Farrell; and her sister, Gloria “Jean” Werner (William) of Florida. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Celebration of Life at 7:00 PM, officiated by Chaplain Santos Tamez, at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Angels in Harlingen, Texas. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, Texas.

Donna Lynne Lazar

July 23, 1954 - April 26, 2026

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