Norma L. Donald

AUGUSTA – Norma L. Donald, 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, after a long struggle with COPD. She was surrounded and cared for by her loving family in the final years of her life. Norma was a loving and dedicated mother to her four children. She cherished her independence, driving her car to visit family and familiar places until her illness limited her in her last year. Her career path was varied and rich, reflecting her versatile spirit. Over her life, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a driving education instructor, an accountant, and an assistant operator at Statler Mill. Later in her life she served as a cashier at Shaw’s, Pier One Imports, T.J. Maxx, and Hannaford.

Her favorite hobby was riding and training horses. She had several horses of her own that she cared for over her lifetime. She loved riding bare back most of all. She was a talented seamstress and knitter, making clothes for her children and sweaters for her grandchildren. An avid angler, she loved fishing with her family up north and on China Lake. While attending Erskine Academy in South China she was known for her excellent softball batting average. In one game, she demonstrated her excellent hand-eye coordination, hitting seven home runs.

Norma was predeceased by her parents, Lewis “Skeeter” and Madeline Hamilton of South China, brother Raymond, sister Sandra, nephew Lewis, daughter Tammy, and her son Richard. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with them and can ride horses again.

She will be greatly missed by her children: Scott Dyer and his wife Mayu of Bedford, Mass.; Vicky Glusker and her husband James of Augusta, and Yulee, Florida; and Brandi Hayes and her husband Stephen of Readfield. She is also survived by her siblings Lewis “Skipper” Hamilton and his wife Maxine of South China; Gary Hamilton and his partner Fran Casey of Farmingdale; and David Hamilton and his wife Glenda of South China. She leaves behind 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A formal memorial service is forthcoming to be announced at a later date by the family.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.