Donna Marie Kalbach

Donna Marie Kalbach, 80, of Edenton, North Carolina, passed away on May 1, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Donna was born on June 22, 1945, in Waco, Texas, and was raised in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, where she built lifelong values of service, devotion to family, and deep care for others.

She attended Louisiana Tech University. Donna poured her heart into raising her two children and creating a warm, welcoming home for family and friends.

Known for her kindness and steady presence, Donna had a special love for animals, especially the cats she rescued over the years, including Winston, Ashley, Clementine, and Mary.

Generous with her time and talents, Donna devoted herself to the communities she cherished. She was a dedicated member of the Edenton Women’s Club for 33 years, where she was

instrumental in supporting and organizing the Edenton Pilgrimage Tour. Donna also participated in the Neapolitan Women’s Club in Naples, Florida, was an avid reader and a

dedicated member of the Edenton Women’s Book Club and valued her faith community and friendships at Edenton Baptist Church.

Donna treasured time at her homes in Nags Head, North Carolina, and Naples, Florida, and she enjoyed the friendships and traditions of the Marion Cricket Club in Haverford, Pennsylvania.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents Sam and Ouida Likens. Donna is survived by her beloved husband, James C. Kalbach, whom she married on February 15, 1992, in Edenton,

North Carolina; her daughter, Christina Madeira (Emmet Madeira); her son, Daniel Daley; and her grandchildren, Madison Madeira and Grace Madeira. She is also survived by her

stepchildren, James E. Kalbach and Kristin A. Garrett, and her step-grandchildren, Tyler Kalbach, Bradley Kalbach, James Garrett, and Logan Garrett.

A memorial service will be held on May 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Edenton Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ASPCA.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Edenton community for their support during Donna’s illness, and for the compassionate care provided by ECU Chowan Hospital, especially

the Intensive Care Unit and hospice providers and nurses, as well as the oncology teams at UNC Hospitals and ECU Health Medical Center.

Donna will be remembered for her generous spirit, her devotion to family and friends, and the quiet, steadfast ways she served others. Her memory will be cherished always.