Obituary of Donna Joan Hoffman

DONNA JOAN HOFFMAN, age 68, died peacefully surrounded by her family on December 25, 2025, in Fredericton, NB after battling a serious rare blood disorder for the past three years.

Donna was born on April 15, 1957, in Moncton, NB, to Donald and Joan Hoffman.  Donna is survived by her husband of 45 years, Bernard (Bernie) Zebarth and their three children, Christopher, Daniel, and Evan, as well as her three siblings, Debbie, Diane, and Brian and her many nieces and nephews.

Donna grew up in Moncton and later, Montreal.  As a teen, Donna loved singing and acting.  She attended the University of Guelph where she obtained her BSc in Human Nutrition and where she met Bernie. With Bernie, she lived in Guelph, Saskatoon, Chilliwack, Summerland, and Fredericton to support education and work opportunities.   Donna obtained her MBA in 2007 at the University of New Brunswick.  In the latter part of her career she worked as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher to newcomer Canadians and was proud of how her teaching and support helped individuals and families settle into Canadian life. She then transitioned into an Administrative Officer position with TESL Canada until her retirement in 2024.

Donna was exceptionally active throughout her life, embracing a wide range of interests that reflected her energetic spirit. She enjoyed camping, travelling, biking, baking, swimming, walking, and playing the piano. Among these activities, Donna found her greatest joy in pursuits that brought her closer to nature. Whether she was watching sunsets, sitting beside campfires, or exploring the outdoors, Donna cherished every opportunity to connect with the natural world. She continued to live life fully and engage in these beloved activities right up until her passing.

Donna was a huge advocate of supporting children in need of financial and emotional support and to this end, sponsored many children in Haiti through World Vision.  She was proud of this endeavour and talked often of her sponsored children’s interests and accomplishments.

After retirement, Donna’s greatest passion was writing.  Prior to her untimely death, she was in the midst of writing her first novel which sadly never came to completion.

Donna was a kind, caring, and generous person whose presence brought warmth to everyone around her.  She had a way of listening that made people feel seen and valued, and she gave freely of her time, love, and compassion.  Her warmth, generosity, and quiet strength will be remembered always by those who were fortunate enough to know her.  Donna maintained deep and meaningful friendships that began as far back as her high school days. These enduring relationships were a testament to her loyalty and the genuine care she showed for others throughout her life.

A celebration of Donna's Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Radisson Kingswood Hotel in  Fredericton, New Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honour the life of Donna through a donation to World Vision Canada. In doing so, you will be helping bring hope and compassion to children and families in need. Donations may be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/15849 . Within the donation link, there is an option to send a sympathy card and notification. Please include Bernie’s email address, Bernie.zebarth@gmail.com, so he may be notified of your thoughtful gift. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.mcadamsfh.com.