OWLS HEAD — Donna J. Damboise-Grindle, 60, died peacefully, at home, following a life long battle with health issues, Monday, September 9, 2019. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Caribou, March 31, 1959, she was the daughter of Bertrand and Edwidge Gagnon Damboise. Educated in ‘The County,’ Donna was a 1977 graduate of Caribou High School. Following graduation, she attended The
University of Maine, Presque Isle, where she was enrolled in the nursing program. Transferring to University of Southern Maine, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Following college, Donna enjoyed a six
week adventure abroad with her three best friends, Lorna, Beth and Andrea (Andi). Their friendship has been life-long and they have enjoyed and looked forward to a yearly get-away.

After college, Donna moved to Florida where she was employed as a nurse for five years. While living in Florida, she met Shane Grindle, her roommate’s brother, who had come to Florida to visit his sister. It was love at first sight, and the rest as they say, is history. Shane and Donna returned to Maine and were married on October 21, 1989.

Donna immediately and with great joy embraced the role of step-mother to Shane’s daughter, Torey. Due to her own health issues, she was never sure if she would be able to have children of her own. She and Torey formed a very special bond, and Donna loved her immensely. This relationship prepared Donna for the birth of her own very wonderful sons, Hunter and Tucker. She loved nothing more than being a mom to the three children.

Throughout her life, she has been a hard worker and for over 20 years she had worked tirelessly as a nurse at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport. She had a giving heart and was always trying to do something for others. She was active in the lives of her children, attending school and athletic activities, and working hard at fundraising events. Her involvement facilitated many friendships with other parents.

She was an extremely talented crafter and made many beautiful quilts. Her family commented she never sold a single quilt, but gave them all away as gifts.

When her health allowed, Donna and Shane loved to spend time dancing together. She was a magnificent cook and loved preparing meals for family and friends. Trying new recipes was a favorite pastime, and she loved going to the store to gather just the right ingredients for these recipes.

Donna had a great sense of humor, and as her family stated, she had ‘no filter’ and loved a good joke.

She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her three dogs, Rhino, Remi, and Syrah. Donna was lucky to have many special people in her life. Among those, her sister and friend, Carmen, who was an amazing support system for her on a daily-basis. Martha, another close friend, who shared similar interests in sewing and cooking, made sure they always got together as frequent as possible. She was also fortunate to have her neighbors, Mary Stinson and her family. They took care of her dogs when she was away at doctors’ appointments, and they treated and loved each other like family. Donna loved Mary’s granddaughter, McKenna, like her own.

Her laughter and love for life will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Predeceased by her parents; a sister, Linda Thibodeau; and her beloved Papillion, Syrah; Donna is survived by her husband, Shane; her children, Torey Whitman and her husband Matthew of Thomaston, Hunter Grindle and his fiancée Melissa Burgess, and Tucker Grindle, all of Rockport; her grandchildren, Kaydin and Kyla Frederick; her siblings, Conrad Damboise and his companion Martha Turner of Ocala, FL, Carmen Tetu and her husband Tom of Wiscasset, Wayne Damboise and his wife Cindy of Connor, Alan Damboise and his wife Stephanie of Old Town, Rodney Damboise and his wife Janet of Laconia, NH; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Floyd and Evelyn Grindle of Cushing; brother-in-law, Wesley Grindle and his wife Joyce of Cushing; her sisters-in-law and their husbands, Jody Pickett of Rockland, Rebecca and John Williams of Cushing, Vicki Grindle and her companion Paul Dow of Warren, Tricia and David Boutin of Cushing; a god-daughter Jennifer Araza; and many nieces, nephews, and a large loving extended family.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held Thursday, September 19, at 11 a.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A reception will follow at 104 Limerock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northern New England Center, 114 Perimeter Rd., Units G & H, Nashua, NH 03063.

To share a memory or condolence with Donna’s family, visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.