Donna Cole

SOUTH PORTLAND – Donna Cole passed away March 2, 2022. She was born Dec. 8, 1948, daughter of Gladys Blake Hazen and Alton C. Hazen. Her parents divorced when she was very young. Donna was raised by her mother and stepfather, John Donatelle. She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1966.

Donna married James Cole Sr. in 1968 and together they had two children, Carrie and James Jr.

They divorced in 1981 and she raised her family as a single mother.

She started working at an early age and held a variety of jobs. At one time she was a small business owner. She and a friend, Carole, operated the Spring Point Cafe in South Portland. They later sold the cafe and Donna retired from Hannaford Supermarket.

If you knew Donna well, you might say she was set in her ways. She may have been the last person on earth who was not internet connected and did not use a cellphone. She was loyal, trustworthy, and honest. She was always there when needed and cherished her family. Donna was friendly and outgoing and had many friends. She enjoyed annual trips to Aruba and Puerto Rico with friends and family.

She was predeceased by her parents Gladys and John Donatelle.

She is survived by a daughter, Carrie (Josh Caporino) and a son, James Jr. (Erica Fennessey). She was “Mammy” to grandsons Nicholas and CJ Solack and granddaughter, Keira Fennessey Cole. She leaves behind a sister, Debra Donatelle Cavallaro (Louis Cavallaro); nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a longtime companion, Paul Avery.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday March 25 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Portland Eagles, 184 St John St., Portland.

To share a memory of Donna or to leave the family an online condolence please visit http://www.athutchins.com.