Obituary of Dona J. Pare

Dona Pare, 69, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 11th, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer with her husband Rick Weed by her side. Dona was born in Willimantic, CT. She was one of four children born to the late Rudolph and Caroline (Chebro) Makray. Dona was raised in Ashford, CT, and later moved to Maine with her first husband Leo Caler where they had their daughter Carrie and did tons of camping, softball and she was always Carrie’s biggest cheerleader in all her activities. Later Dona married Dick Pare and lived in Hampden, gaining a stepdaughter and the best-extended family you could ask for. After Dick’s passing Dona grieved which led her to her “spirit peeps”, a very special group of women that helped with the grieving process. This healing led her to Rick, he seemed as though he was picked right from heaven to love and care for her until her final breath. Their love is certainly one of a kind. 

For many years Dona worked at Amicus where she helped and inspired adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was loved and admired by so many there, making lifelong friends with consumers and coworkers, and developing an extra special bond with Kate and Lorraine.

Dona’s greatest joys were spending time with her husband, sister, daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchild, uncle, aunts, cousins, friends, traveling, walking any beach and collecting sea glass, enjoying sunsets from their cottage in Deer Isle, any excuse to wear a costume, blues music and dancing, dancing, dancing! She was the most dedicated wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Described by many as an incredible soul who radiated love to everyone she met and the poster child of living life to its fullest. 

Dona’s Husband Rick Weed wishes to express his gratitude to those who were such an amazing support to him and Dona in her final months of life. A special thank you to Dona’s hospice nurse Laura and caregiver Nancy and Dona’s loving sister Linda Plourde. 

There will be a celebration of Dona's life on Sunday, January 28th at The Elks Club - 108 Odlin Road Bangor 1-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Angel Flight Medical Transport in honor of Dona’s name. Angel Flights NorthEast 492 Sutton Street North Andover, Mass 01845

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