Donna (Cadwell) Hanish

BANGOR – A beautiful soul, Donna (Cadwell) Hanish, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over 10 years ago, she battled it with fierce determination and a tenacious spirit, always staying positive. It never slowed her down. Born on Aug. 16, 1946, in Lewiston, Donna was the daughter of Richard Cadwell and Patricia (O’Leary) Cadwell.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, Robert Hanish. “Bob” and Donna dated for 60 years and were married for 57. She is also survived by her two children, known to friends and family as her “birdies”, Brian Hanish and his wife Celeste of Hampden, and Beth (Hanish) Luce and her husband Dwane of Monmouth. Donna also leaves behind her four very cherished grandchildren, Isaac and Lydia Hanish and Hayden and Mia Luce. She was immensely proud of their many accomplishments and academic successes. A special and dear friend, Diane Lamoreau of Lewiston, shared many laughs, card games, and glasses of wine with Donna throughout the years.

Donna was raised by her parents to value hard work and commitment, and she made sure to pass these ethics on to her family. After graduating from Lewiston High School in 1964, she attended Husson College. For many years, she worked at the Civic Center in Augusta, rising from typist to eventually managing the office and organizing concerts and events.. Her skills and knowledge were valued by her employers, leading to many other opportunities in her field and she became sought after as an employee.

One of Donna’s favorite activities was traveling and exploring with her husband. Donna and Bob took many memorable trips, enjoying each other’s company as well as the cuisine and culture of faraway places. Her most cherished adventures included multiple trips to Ireland, exploring the countryside and visiting the O’Leary family cottage in Bantry Bay, as well as vacations spent at New Smyrna Beach, Fla. with her family. Donna loved the ocean and cultivated that love among her children and grandchildren.

A gifted yet humble artist, painting watercolors was Donna’s passion. Though often her own worst critic, family members were frequently surprised to find her art tucked away in various corners of her home because she felt they didn’t merit display. Many of these pieces now hang in the homes of her children and friends. Donna also loved gardening and digging in the soil. Each of the homes she lived in was improved by her gardening skills and love of flowers. This passion for gardening was passed on to her children and remains a cherished part of her memory.

Not to be forgotten by her friends and family is the deep and abiding respect Donna had for the underdog. She had a keen eye and epic disdain for snobbery and people who put on airs. She valued those who came from humble beginnings and worked hard to overcome the limitations of their circumstances.

Donna will always be loved for her strength of character as the peacekeeper and protector of her family. With grace, strength, and elegance, she will remain a role model for her children and grandchildren in the years to come.

A celebration of Donna’s extraordinary life of giving will be held in June. Please contact her husband, Robert, at 207-323-2639 for further information.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Anglican Church of Bangor’s Building Fund at https://idachurch.churchcenter.com/giving.