Below is an obituary from A W Rich Funeral Home:
SAINT ALBANS, VT — Donna Lee Freeman, of Saint Albans, Vermont, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness.
Born on May 26, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas, Donna’s family relocated to Wilmington, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Wilmington High School in the class of 1973. She later pursued her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism at Michigan State University, graduating in 1979.
Returning to New England, she initially settled in Weare and Goffstown, New Hampshire, before settling in Saint Albans, Vermont, in 1999.
In her mid-twenties, Donna was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis which she managed over her lifetime with continued grace while keeping an uplifting outlook. She actively participated in the MS Society in New Hampshire and contributed to various fundraising efforts. Additionally, she was involved in the LGBTQ community. She was an advocate for animal welfare, and there were many dogs, cats, and birds that were loved and cared for over the years by her dedication to them. Her many interests included gardening, birding and photography. She was employed and enjoyed her work at Staples for many years. You could also find her and Lesa at their table at local flea markets where she loved to talk to everyone that came by. She naturally engaged with people everywhere she went. She also loved keeping all of her sisters in line with her sharp wit, long-term memory and keen powers of observation. Her humor and ability to make others laugh at themselves will be fond memories for years to come.
Donna is predeceased by her father, William Taft Freeman, Jr. along with her step-father, Harry (Pal) Finn. She is survived by her loving partner of almost 30 years, Lesa Jett. She is also survived by her mother, Marcelle Finn of Brentwood, NH, and her four sisters, Carol Fraser and her partner Dave Kenney, of Manchester, NH, Elaine and her husband Gerry Lawrence, of Solana Beach, CA, Leslie Freeman of Gate City, VA, Robin Hale of Everett, MA and her step-mother Marianna Freeman of Wellton, AZ. She also leaves her many nieces and nephews, who were her heart and joy for many years, and probably the topic of many of her jokes: Michael Lynch, Tom Lynch, Gordon Fraser, David Fraser, Jessica Anderson, Johanna Lawrence, Lindsey Moulaison, Daniella Semones, Billy Hale, and Sarah Lemenager, along with their spouses. Many others include many great nieces and great nephews, step-siblings, cousins, and aunts.
Memorial services will be held privately at the request of her family. Donations may be made in her name to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891.
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 