BRANDON — On the afternoon of Oct. 2, 2026, Donna M Smith (Fay-Whitney) passed away peacefully at home after a long battle of Alzheimer’s. She was born in Middlebury Oct. 31, 1945. She was 80, just shy of her 81st birthday.
She leaves behind her husband of 61 years, the love her life, Richard C. Smith; their two daughters, Tassie Boudreau (Smith) and husband Glenn of Brandon, and Mary Sunhawk (Smith) and husband River of Leicester; and four beautiful granddaughters, Alycia Buckley (Boudreau) and husband Ian of Brandon, Cara Boudreau of Randolph, and Kelsie and Michaela Sunhawk of Leicester.
Donna also leaves behind two brothers, William “Bill” Whitney of Rutland, James “Jimmy” Whitney and wife (Rondi) of Arizona; and two sisters, Lorraine Lafond (Whitney) and Betty Rainey (Whitney) both of Milton. She also she leaves behind four extra sisters, Sally Forbes of Middlebury, Angie Smith of Brookefield, Susan Landers (Don) of Clemons, N.Y., and Ilene Trudeau of New Haven; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by their daughter Donna Marie in November of 1972.
Donna worked at the Brandon Training School for many years. She then moved on to being a personal caregiver for many close relatives. She also took care of many nieces and nephews over the years. Donna was well known for her crafts. She started her love of crafts making knitted sweaters, and then moved onto crocheting and sewing. You would often find her at the farmers market in Brandon every Friday during the summers, Addison County Field Days, and holiday craft shows. She loved camping, the ocean, and spending time with her granddaughters.
Many thanks to the VNA and Hospice nurses of Rutland County. Special thanks to Francetta Tice, who was Donna’s main nurse for the last three years. Fran’s love and affection goes above and beyond, and we have welcomed her as part of the family.
A special thank you goes to granddaughter Michaela Sunhawk. Michaela stepped into the caregiver roll before she graduated high school. She dedicated her time for the last three years to caring for her grandmother better known as “Grammie”.
Another special thank you goes to Isabelle Fairbanks — “best friend” as she was referred to often — for the love and care of Donna.
Thank you to Sanderson Funeral home for their service. A celebration of life will be announced at a later time. ◊
