Donna Marie French

Donna Marie French
1951 – 2016

FAIRFIELD — Donna Marie French, 65, went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 29 after a courageous battle of many illnesses.

She was born in Van Buren on Oct. 5, 1951, the daughter of Maurice and Regina Ruel. She was educated in the schools of Winslow and graduated from Winslow Senior High School Class of 1971. Then continued her education and graduated from Kennebec Valley Vocational Technical Institute, KVC and the University of Maine Augusta School of Practical Nursing, and most recently, was a post-graduate in pharmacology.

Donna worked at a local nursing home for 20 years until she opened French Residential Care facility for challenged adults, which she owned and operated for 15 years. She was also queen mother of the chapter of Red Hat Society (elegant red hat ladies).

Donna is survived by three daughters, Rebecca Hughes and husband, Mike, of Windsor, Monica Hammock and Paul Hammock of Winslow, and Tonia Savasuk and partner, Keith Spencer, of Oakland; a son, Reggie French of Windsor; a very special daughter, Jillian French; 11 grandchildren, Samantha, Tasha, Reggie Jr., Dallas, Jillian, Jessica, Kyler, Paul Jr., Khristopher, Joshua and Calia; two great-grandchildren, Bailey and McKenna; six biologial sisters; two biological brothers; many aunts and uncles; a very special brother, Robert Ruel, who was so special to her; and close friends, Joe and Nancy Pais and Janice Hysler.

She was predeceased by her twin sons; parents, Maurice and Regina Ruel; biological mother, Rita; biological sisters, June, Joyce and Christina McInnis; brothers, Robert King and Edward Paul King; nephew, David Goldsmith; a very special pet, Sir Rilley Ho French, a Bichon frise.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Donna’s memory to Beacon Hospice Inc., 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 12, Augusta, ME 04330. Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.