1941 – 2015

AUBURN — Donna Lee Belanger, 74, formerly of Huntington, Long Island, N.Y., died early Wednesday morning, June 17, at Clover Manor with family at her side.

She was born in Lewiston on Feb. 16, 1941, one of three children born to Gerard and Evelyn (Simpson) Belanger. She was educated at St. Patrick’s School in Lewiston and attended Edward Little High School, graduating with the Class of 1959.

Following high school, she attended the Central Maine General Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1962 as a registered nurse.

Donna moved to Long Island, N.Y., in 1965 and began her 30-year nursing career, retiring from John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in 1995. Donna formed many lifelong friendships during her career at Mather. She was a member of the American Nurses Association.

Donna enjoyed spending time in New York City, seeing Broadway shows and traveling with her lifelong partner, Lois Scharps.

She enjoyed writing, especially poetry, and even took writing classes during her retirement.

Also during retirement, she worked at Lois’ New York Travel Agency, Get Up ‘n’ Go Tours, and even managed the office for a time.

Donna was a loving, generous and hard-working life partner, sister and aunt, who will be dearly missed.

She leaves behind her life partner, Lois Scharps of Auburn; her brother, Gerard Belanger and wife, Karen Nyberg, of Auburn; her sister, Mary Lou Magno and husband, Florian Jr., of Auburn; two nieces, Loriann Bosse and husband, Paul, of Auburn, and Diane Belanger of Lewiston; one nephew, Michael Belanger of Brunswick; one special grandniece, Caroline Bosse, whom Donna cherished, and in turn, Caroline adored her. Donna also leaves behind many dear friends in New York and Maine.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Clover Manor for the care and compassion shown to Donna and her family during her time there.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Donna’s family by visiting their online guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.