Donna Jean Freeman

She was born on December 26, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Virginia and Joseph Hollenczer.

Donna was raised in Annapolis, Maryland. She loved to read, solve puzzles, watch game shows and television, and enjoyed anything that challenged her mind. But above all else, Donna loved her family. After marrying David E. Freeman on November 4, 1972, she raised her own family in her hometown of Annapolis.

Donna was preceded in death by her siblings, Evelyn Cunningham, Sally Hollenczer, Joe Hollenczer Jr., and Bo Hollenczer. She was also preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Devin Scott Freeman, with whom she is now joyfully reunited.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, David E. Freeman Sr. She also leaves behind her children: David Jr. (Lee Ann) and their son, Gavin; Steven (Jessica) and their son, Dillon; and Mark (Rhiannon) and their children, Joshua, Alyssa, and Ethan.

She is also survived by her siblings, Linda, Russell, Bob, Mary, Ginny, David, Richard, and Michael, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was also an animal lover, so it wouldn't feel right to not include her furry family. She is survived by Zeus, Auggie, Ruby, Thor, Thanos, Legend, Sara, Rascal, and Onyx. She was preceded in death by Maverick, Blitz, Belle, Cole, Romeo, Oscar, Oreo, Shadow, and Sadie.

As simple as it may sound, the perfect word to describe Donna was Grandmother. She embodied everything that word should mean. She was the most caring and thoughtful woman anyone could ever hope to meet. Donna was the kind of person who would take food off her own plate to give to someone else and offer her own bed to a friend in need. She always made sure her loved ones were accounted for, safely home before nightfall, well fed, and had clothes on their backs and shoes on their feet.

Donna was the kind of woman anyone would be lucky to call Mom. She helped raise not only her own children, but also many of her younger siblings, other children in the family, and even neighborhood kids who needed a caring hand. Her home was a place where people felt welcomed, cared for, and loved. She had a way of making everyone feel like family.

To those who knew and loved her, Donna's greatest accomplishment wasn't anything she owned or achieved—it was the family she loved so fiercely and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, selflessness, and compassion. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Visitation will be held at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 6:50 p.m.