In Memoriam: Kick Cancer Overboard Co-Founder, Advocate, Motivational Speaker, Donnalyn Geigerich-Zapcic, 59

“The impassioned voice of Donnalyn Giegerich-Zapcic,” Kick Cancer Overboard co-founder and motivational speaker, “fell silent on Saturday, May 7,” weeks after her 59th birthday.

Donnalyn Geigerich-Zapcic
Photo/family via John E. Day Funeral Home

“She was tireless in her advocacy for cancer patients, animal welfare and the empowerment of women until her sudden passing.

Her website was www.donnalynspeaks.com, and speak she did! Thousands of people’s lives were uplifted through her motivational appearances nationwide.
Her co-founding of the Kick Cancer Overboard charity gave patients of the dread disease a much-needed respite through free cruises to Bermuda.
She was athletic yet contemplative, and for many years Donnalyn welcomed spiritual and wellness seekers to Yoga on the Lake.
Donnalyn was loving energy personified.”
Loved ones of Donnalyn Geigerich-Zapcic in her obituary

Her dedication to education blossomed as she earned her bachelor’s at Albright College and her MBA at Monmouth University, where she taught for many years.

Donnalyn taught at Brookdale Community College and was selected to receive an Honorary Associate of Arts degree for leadership, dedication and service to community at Brookdale’s graduation on May 12.

She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Thomas F. Zapcic, of Middletown, and countless family members and “members of the family she gathered from every person she ever met.”

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, May 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A funeral home service will take place at 5:30 p.m. Cremation will be private.
A celebration of Donnalyn’s life will be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donnalyn’s memory are requested to Kick Cancer Overboard at www.kickcanceroverboard.org.

— Edited obituary provided by family via John E. Day Funeral Home