Donna M. Anderson

Donna May Anderson, 66, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026 at the home of her sister and brother-in-law, Diana and Daniel Rutherford along with her sisters, Deborah & Darlene by her side.

Donna was born in Manchester, New Hampshire on April 22,1959 to David and Dorothy (Blake) Anderson. They moved to Sanford in 1966 where Donna attended special education classes.

Donna was such a pleasure to be around. She made lifelong friends very easily and loved to go to the movies, bowling, out to eat, shopping and just hanging out with family, friends and her longtime boyfriend, Chuck. One of her favorite summertime activities was going to her sister and brother in law’s home on Loon Pond, playing games, BBQing, and boating. Having been involved with Waban/Waypoint for over 50 years, Donna loved attending the Special Olympics of Maine, being awarded medals or ribbons for her softball throw, 50-meter run and 100-meter walk.

Donna retired from Tom’s of Maine in 2024 where she worked one day per week for over 20 years. She enjoyed attending LifeWorks where she would learn culinary skills, exercise, crafts and play games. She also enjoyed attending Bingo and Pottery at the Trafton Senior Center. One of her favorite jobs was when she worked at Bonanza Restaurant cleaning off the tables. She would be so excited when someone would leave her a tip as it made her feel like her three sisters when they waitressed in their younger days. For the past 11 years, Donna has resided at the School Street & Lenox Street Waban/Waypoint group homes with her three housemates where she was lovingly cared for by the staff.

Donna is survived by sisters, Deborah Ward and her husband, Steven of Titusville, Florida, Darlene Normand of Sanford, Maine, Diana Rutherford and her husband, Daniel of Acton, Maine, stepbrothers Thomas Fortier of Tavares, Florida and John Fortier and his wife, Mary of Grand Island, Florida, along with nieces Nicole Mohr (husband John Mohr) of Sanford, Jennifer Wilson (fiancé Chris Biagi) of Titusville and nephew David Ward (fiancée Danielle Harry) of Phoenix, Arizona. She is also survived by great nieces Noelle Wilson and Claire Wilson of Titusville as well as countless friends and extended family. She was pre-deceased by her father, David Anderson, mother, Dorothy Fortier, stepfather, Ralph Fortier, and brother-in-law, Aime Normand.

Visitation will be held at Black-Heald Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, Maine on Friday, April 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 am, followed by a graveside service at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery, 83 Stanley Road, Springvale, Maine at 12:00 p.m. Following the graveside service, all are invited to return to the funeral home for light refreshments. Those unable to attend the cemetery service are welcome to remain at the funeral home for the reception until the family returns.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Waypoint Maine (www.waypointmaine.org) or Special Olympics Maine (www.somaine.org). Special thanks to the staff of Donna’s group home who took such wonderful care of her for so many years as well as Hospice of Southern Maine for their loving care prior to her passing.