Donna Faye (Henderson) Blanchette

EAST FALMOUTH, Mass. – Donna Faye (Henderson) Blanchette, of East Falmouth, Mass., passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2021 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston peacefully with her family by her side.

Donna was born in Augusta on August 29, 1950. Donna was the third child of Waldo Henderson and Velma (Gray) Henderson. She grew up on their family farm in East Winthrop.

Donna graduated from Winthrop High School in 1969.

During her school years she was a team member of Field Hockey and Gymnastics, however; the love of music she had shone through every beat of the kettle drum in the marching band; where she received her school letter. She went on to further her education at the University of Maine in Orono, majoring in Animal Husbandry.

Donna moved to Falmouth, Mass. in 1980 with her daughter, Tina L. Blanchette. Through the years she made wonderful friends. She loved sharing her knowledge of gardening and machinery. Donna was a collector of bits and bobbles and lived by the saying “If it works, don’t fix it”

Her granddaughter, Kierra F. Kelly and her spent many years together, sharing their love of plants and bees. Kierra was her shining star.

Donna had a 30-year career at The Falmouth Housing Authority where she touched many people’s lives. Upon retirement she received recognition of service through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for being the first woman and maintenance mechanic to serve 30 years.

Preceding her were Bobbie Lynn Blanchette, daughter, Raymond E. Henderson, her younger brother; and her parents.

Donna is survived by Tina L. Blanchette, her daughter; Kierra F. Kelly, her granddaughter; Carlyn L. (Henderson) Roberts, her eldest sister, Robert A. Henderson, her eldest brother, Rosemary E. (Henderson) Thayer; her younger sister, and Waldo “Bud” W. Henderson, her youngest brother. Alongside many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Donna cherished her longtime friend and business partner, Heidi Grimm, they had started and shared a painting company for 19 years.

A special thanks to Linda Clark and the Falmouth Housing Authority Corporation for their friendship, support, and kindness throughout the years.

Visitation will take place at Chapman Funerals and Cremations, 475 Main St., Falmouth, on Wednesday, Sept. 1, from 3 to 6 p.m., with a celebration of life service beginning at 6 p.m.

For online guestbook and directions please visit http://www.chapmanfuneral.com.