It is with heavy hearts yet joyful memories that we announce the passing of Donna Marie Hastings, who went home to be with her lord and savior, she was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Donna was born on April 13, 1957, in Baltimore, MD, to the late Rev. Charles Dennison and Eleanor Dennison, Donna left this world peacefully on January 11, 2025, at the age of 67 in her home surrounded by those she loved, in Aberdeen, MD.
Donna was a remarkable woman known for her warmth, generosity, and incredible baking skills. She spent many rewarding years working at Geresbeck's Food Market, where her talents shone brightly as a baker and cake/pastry decorator. Her specialty cakes and delectable dishes brought joy to countless people, friends, and family members. Everyone who tasted her famous Pinto Bean Soup or her delightful homemade zucchini bread knows that she had a true gift for cooking and baking.
Beyond her love for the kitchen, Donna was an amazing seamstress who took great delight in making beautiful curtains. Her creativity extended to gardening, where she found peace tending to her plants, enjoying the fruits of her garden and canning. She carried a special fondness for the ocean, where she cherished moments spent in the sun and surf.
Donna's spirit was further enlivened by her devotion to volunteering at the church, her passion for horses and her special connection to animals, which brought her immense happiness. She cherished her fur babies, the late "Buddy" a mixed Chow/Shephard who lived well into his senior years, and her late beloved "Skipper" also known as "Skippy" a Bichon who is also in his senior years. She took great pride in being their mom, where she always made them homemade food, for them to eat.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 33 years, Carl Hastings; her beloved son, Edward Hartman, and daughter-in-law, Christine Hartman; cherished granddaughter, Brooke Dorffner; loving siblings, Robert Dennison, Betsy Mose, and Linda Dennison-Whalen. Each of them carries a piece of her with them and will remember her kindness, creativity, and love.
A celebration of Donna's life will be held on January 18th – 11am to 1pm at Maranatha Chapel, 3 Bowleys Quarters Rd, Baltimore, MD 21220. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring her legacy, sharing memories, and enjoying the many things that brought Donna joy. Instead of flowers, Donna would ask that you donate to the church's food bank and to wear a white ribbon in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness.
Though Donna will be dearly missed, her spirit lives on in the love she shared with others, and her incredible talents will not be forgotten. May her memory be a blessing and a source of inspiration to all who knew her.
Messages of condolences and memories to share may be made to www.zellmanfuneralhome.com