ROCKLAND — Donna Louise Freeman was born Jan. 28, 1938, on Greens Island off Vinalhaven in a small lobster pound to Walter and Blanche Rogers, where Walter was working for the winter. Walter rowed them from Greens Island to Vinalhaven for her first visit with the doctor the next day. She lived her entire life on Crescent Street in Rockland’s South End, and married her high school sweetheart Richard Freeman (December 2013) in her parents’ backyard. Donna and Richard built their own home down the street where they raised three sons, Scott, John and Jason.
“I’m quite content with the way that I am.” Her high school senior quote described the way she lived her life, humble and devoted to family. She would often babysit for neighbors, as caring for little children was a delight for her. Donna was known for loving all creatures. In addition to family cats and dogs, she raised rabbits and even kept a rescued racoon who became a local celebrity.
While she happily spent most of her life in the South End, she did find her way to Coconut Grove, Fla., Maui, San Francisco, and Sedona, Ariz. She especially enjoyed putting hundreds of puzzles together over the years and enjoyed working on them with her sons and grandson.
Donna was blessed with a single grandson, Noah, who brought endless joy into her life. She was surrounded by love and is survived by her three sons, Scott and his wife Heather of Camden, John and his wife Paula and grandson Noah of Thomaston, and Jason and his partner Sarah Szwajkos of Camden; her sister Sandra (and her late husband Capt. Ray O’Neal) of Rockland; nieces and nephews Teresa, Dale, Susie, Danny and their families; and her sister-in- law Ruth (and her late husband William) Lucas and their son Gary of Rockland.
Donna and her family are extremely grateful for the wonderful caretakers who provided loving care for her as a resident of the Knox Center in Rockland.
A private graveside memorial will be planned for the summer of 2023.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Pope Memorial Humane Society, popehumane.org, 207-594-2200; P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841
