Donna Gail Bogardus
Dec. 19, 1950 – June 16, 2021
Donna was loved by so many, we decided to let you fill in the blanks for what she meant to you. Grab an entire quart of ___(adjective)___ ice cream and keep her memory alive!
Donna Gail (Schuck) Bogardus Parker Wingo of Temple Stream Woods, West Farmington, Maine, is on to her next adventure, now free to ___(verb)___, ___(verb)___, explore, collect bugs, take pictures, and travel.
We remember the Power Pixie bringing home snakes in her school lunchbox, rehabbing any critter that needed it, exploring caves, growing a beautiful and productive garden, raising half the children in town, renovating her home, and ___(your favorite memory)___. Farmington is a better place for all the children and animals she cared for. No one was a stranger, but she suffered no fools.
Donna is predeceased by her husband, Warren Bogardus and her father, George Schuck. She leaves behind her mother, Doris Schuck; a sister, Susan Cheatham (Jim); two brothers, George Schuck (Romana) and Jon Schuck (Danna); two daughters, Laura Bogardus (Tom) and Kristin Bulpitt (Joel); a son, Benjamin Bogardus; and the Titties—Daemon, Virgil, Hugh, and Stuart—as well as a whole slew of friends and relatives who love her.
Her ___(noun)____, unlimited compassion, wicked sense of humor, and never-ending curiosity made Donna an incredibly fun person to share this Earth with. She will be so missed.
So raise a glass of ___(noun)___ to send her off on this next journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations to celebrate her ___(adjective)___ life can be made to Avian Haven who continues to care for the critters that Donna loved so much.
Avian Haven
418 N Palermo Rd
Freedom, ME 04941
(207) 382-6761
https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Avian-Haven
Dear Donna’s dear family, please accept my condolences. When I left my kids with her, I wanted to stay too – to play in the garden, talk with Donna, and just be in her divine energy. Another star in heaven.
Absolutely the best decision we ever made to have Donna watch over our kids when they were wee tots and we went off to work. Like all of the lives that Donna touched, no matter how many feet, wings, paws, claws, etc., they had, the world was a bit brighter from the love she shared – oh, and the Irish coffee we were served on St. Patty’s Day (not to mention Warren’s Kimchi) helped warm the world a bit more as well. What a lovely friend to have known, and though we are quite sad at this news – don’t tell her because I’m sure she’d just tell us to get over it and get focused on life, not loss. Our heartfelt condolences to her surviving family and friends, wherever they may perch. Thank you, Donna, for the many blessings you bestowed on us. Godspeed.
Words don’t even come close. She was an oasis in a new world when we moved back to Maine in 1983 and become our parenting partner for many years. We learned to be better parents because of her. Never met another child care provider quite like her. Warren and Donna’s was a magical place for so many local kids. When driving by years later, the kids couldn’t believe how small it was compared to how big and spacious it seemed while roaming all around and playing outdoors more than in. We so appreciate Laura, Kristin, and Benjamin sharing their parents so generously with us. The world has lost one of the real ones. I suspect her legacy will continue to unfold for generations among those who were touched by her influence.
My sincere condolence’s to Donna’s family, she was truly a special person with a wonderful spirit and caring heart. We live down the road from Donna, and when our dog Jack escaped he would often run down to Donna’s. She would give us a call, and one of us would go down and collect him. She always looked out for Jack when he took his walkabouts, but she didn’t like how he jumped on furniture. Thank you Donna, may your spirit enjoy the next adventure.
Words cannot express how much Donna meant to me. She was always willing to help me (or anyone) in any way she could. My dog Pixie loved her and wanted to be with her to go for walks. My sincere condolence to her family.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Donna and Warren when I worked at Mallett School. And then getting to know their wonderful children.. Special family, so nice, friendly, helpful. I treasure my Bagardus earrings when the last child left Mallett. Prayers and hugs to the family.
Laura, Kristen and Ben, So sorry for your loss. Your mother was such a wonderful person. She took care of many of the students I had in my K class over the years and I know what great care and guidance she gave them. She also volunteered in my classroom when she could for many years. I was always happy to see her come to help out. May the memories you have help you through this very difficult time.