Donna F. Barrows

Donna was born on January 29, 1941, to Grant and Flossie Martin. She graduated from Oxford Academy in 1960.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Carol and Homer Sands and her grandson Dane Jeffrey.

Donna is survived by her sons Jeffrey, Timothy (Shelly), Stanley (Cassie), Jason, stepdaughter Debra Hofmann and her grandchildren Ethan, Chase, Gage, Ava, Kellan and Teagan and by her husband, Stanley H. Barrows. She is also survived by her brother Ronald (Joanne) Martin, sister-in-law Sharon Barrows and brother-in-law Brad “Beaver” Barrows (Caroline) as well as several nieces and nephews.

Donna married Stanley H. Barrows on August 25, 1973 and spent the next 50 years surrounding Stanley and their family with every bit of her time, attention and so much love.

When Donna wasn’t earning her spot in heaven riding herd over all five of her rough and tumble men with her special brand of love and attention, she was showering her other favorite beings with the same. Donna loved her inside birds to distraction. Her dogs were an undeniable part of her family; she rarely went anywhere without them and those that survived her are mournfully and heartbreakingly awaiting her return. One of Donna’s favorite things to do was ride her “mule” around her home feeding every bird that ever stopped in for a visit and all of the fish in the family pond.

Donna collected Roosters and loved working with ceramics, she took many classes over the years. Stanley could often be heard lamenting that Donna’s extensive collections left him without a spot at their home to call his own. Donna loved to decorate for the holidays and those who knew her knew that she was an amazing cook and the creator of ridiculously yummy desserts – her Sugar Cookies being Grandson Gage’s favorite. Donna also loved country music and crossword puzzles.

Donna had some special friends that the family will be forever indebted to. She was very fond of her lady

friends at Norwich Telops and enjoyed her visits with them immensely.

Ed Brown was invaluable with his “Driving Miss Donna” duties – he was a special friend who was happy to take Donna anywhere she needed to go. The family cannot express their gratitude enough.

Donna’s love didn’t end with her family. There were many many years when at any given moment you would find Donna’s home full of her “extended” family. Her sons’ friends were as comfortable at the Barrows’ residence as her own boys were. Ask any one of these men (now in their forties) and they will tell you that Donna was their second Mom and how much they love her. Each and every one of them most likely broke a collectible or two (or a piece of equipment) and definitely ate Donna and Stanley out of house and home…but she would not have had it any other way. They were all her boys.

Every one of us will remember Donna’s laughter with a smile and in our hearts and minds we will fondly hear her yelling at her Stanley or any one of the boys or maybe even her beloved dogs…she was so very loved and will be greatly missed.

Calling Hours will be held at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 6th, 2022 from 11am - 1pm with funeral services led by Richard Howard immediately following. A reception will be held at the American Legion in Oxford after the services.