STANDISH — Dona Mae Brown, age 85, passed away peacefully in Bridgton on September 5, 2026.
Dona was born on May 20, 1941, in Livermore Falls, Maine, the daughter of the late Donald J. Cloutier and Beatrice E. (Farrington) Cloutier-Webber. After graduating from South Portland High School, Dona enjoyed two successful careers, first in the insurance industry and later for Standish Telephone Company.
Throughout her life, Dona found joy in pottery, sewing, knitting, keeping a meticulously clean home, always dressing to impress, spending winters in Arizona, summers camping at Lake Pemaquid, and walking her beloved dog, Bentley. Above all, she cherished being “Nanny” to her growing family and took tremendous pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dona also had a deep interest in genealogy and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she treasured the friendships and community she found at the South Portland and Sebago Churches of the Nazarene, where she attended services and led Bible study.
Strong, independent and loving, Dona was known for her ever-present smile — earning her the affectionate nickname “Giggles” at Woodlands Memory Care — and for the love and devotion she showed her family throughout her life.
Dona was predeceased by her parents, Donald J. Cloutier and Beatrice E. (Farrington) Cloutier-Webber; her daughter, Patricia Ange; her siblings, David Cloutier and Sharon Cushman; and her brother-in-law, Carol Guest.
She is survived by her children, Cynthia Brown and Joseph Brown; her sisters, Joyce Guest and Nancy Proctor; her grandchildren, Nick, Ashly, Daryl, Sophia and Thomas; her great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly.
A memorial service honoring Dona’s life will be held on Monday, September 21, at 3 p.m. at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Route 22) in Buxton. Burial will follow at Dow’s Corner Cemetery in Standish, where she will be laid to rest alongside her daughter, Patricia.
Dona’s family extends special thanks to the staff at Woodlands Memory Care and her community at Annie’s Way for the care, companionship and kindness they provided during her time there.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dona’s memory to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, PO BOX 336, Westbrook, ME 04098.