It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Marie Hamel, who passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2026, at the age of 68.
Born on August 8, 1957, Donna lived a life centered around love, family, and selfless devotion to those she cherished most. She was a woman of remarkable kindness, gentleness, and compassion, whose warm heart touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Donna shared a beautiful love story with her husband, David W. Hamel. The two met when they were just 17 years old and built a life together filled with love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. They were married for 44 wonderful years but together for 51 years, creating a family that became Donna's greatest pride and joy.
She was a devoted mother to Amy Leandre and her husband Steven, Jesse Hamel and his wife Jennifer, Joshua Hamel and his wife Brianne Gonzalez, and Heather Bastarache-Hamel and her husband Noah Bastarache. Donna dedicated her life to raising her four children, providing them with endless love, support, and guidance. As her family grew, she embraced her role as a grandmother with the same devotion, helping raise and nurture the next generation she loved so dearly.
Donna was a proud and loving grandmother to Amber Roderiques and her fiancé Zack Lima, Hailee Alves and her husband Timothy, Cameron DaRosa, Levi Hamel, Luka Hamel and many step-grandchildren. Nothing brought her greater happiness than her grandchildren, and she never missed an opportunity to talk about them, celebrate their accomplishments, and share how proud she was of each of them.
She was also blessed to become a great-grandmother to Rome Alves and Drew Alves, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. Her eyes would light up whenever she spoke about them, and her love for them knew no bounds.
Donna was predeceased by her parents, Richard Sullivan and Barbara Irving; her sister Barbara Dechane and by her beloved brother, Dennis Sullivan, whom she loved deeply and missed dearly. She is survived by her siblings Richard, Lisa, Gena-Lee, Hope, and Tracey, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Family was truly Donna's everything. She found joy in cooking meals for those she loved, watching the birds outside her window, trying her luck with scratch tickets, and spending time playing her favorite Big Fish online games. She also shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Lily, who was her faithful companion and best friend for 13 years.
Whether through a warm meal, a thoughtful conversation, or a simple act of kindness, Donna had a special way of making everyone feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. She taught those around her the importance of kindness, forgiveness, and putting family first. Her gentle spirit, unwavering love, and generous heart will be remembered by all who knew her.
While her passing leaves an immeasurable void in our hearts, we find comfort in knowing that the love she gave so freely will continue to live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Private services will be held by the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, where those who knew and loved Donna can come together to share stories, laughter, and memories in honor of a woman whose love touched so many lives.