Donna Marie DeMarr

Donna Marie DeMarr, 68, of Benedict Maryland, passed away surrounded by her loving family on June 19, 2023.  Donna was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend that will be dearly missed by anyone who knew her.   

Born December 20, 1954, in La Plata, Maryland, to Alexander and Dorothy Kilinski she graduated from La Plata High school in 1972.  While in high school and unbeknownst to her father, Donna began to date Calvin DeMarr, who she married on February 3, 1973.  In 2023, Donna and Calvin celebrated their Golden Anniversary of 50 years. Donna and Calvin have two children; Dorothy Ann and Calvin Jr.

Donna started working right out of high school, as a switchboard operator for the C&P Telephone Company and later at the Physician Memorial Hospital.  She had spent some time as a toll collector at the 301 bridge, a school bus driver and a waitress at a few of the local restaurants in Charles County. It was not until she found her true home with the Spring Dell Center, were she first served as a van driver, then moved into the manager’s position at Hooks & Hangers II, before finally returning back as van driver, she realize the love she had for the clients and her co-workers kept her there one month shy of her 35th year anniversary on July 18.

She always placed her family first in everything that she did, she hosted many family gatherings. She enjoyed spending Calvin’s money either on keno, at bingo, on pull tabs or even at card parties. She enjoyed spending time on the water trot lining and fishing. Whenever fishing she would be the only one to catch a fish, which drove Calvin crazy.  Donna’s favorite author was Danielle Steel and she would collect many of her books to read.   She spent many hours sitting on her favorite seat at the kitchen table listening to her wind chimes and watching the birds in her bird feeders.  Donna was known to tell a good dirty joke that would make everyone laugh.

After moving to Benedict, Donna joined the Benedict VFD & EMS in addition to its Auxiliary, as an active member of the beloved department, she obtained her EMT, and ran ambulance calls.  Her involvement with the auxiliary lead to her current position that she held until the time of her death, as President.  She has held this position for a number of years.   Donna also became involved with the Ladies Auxiliary Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association, there she worked her way through the offices until she became the President from 2015-2016. In 2016 she was inducted into the LASMVFA Hall of Fame.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, her parents, her sister Norma “Jean” Thompson, and her brothers James “Buzzy” Kilinski, Francis “Billy” Kilinski and Ronald “Ronnie” Kilinski.

Donna is survived by her loving husband Calvin, son Calvin Jr., and his wife, Michelle, their children Brandon Hopkins, Antoinette “Annie” Hopkins, Dominic Hopkins and Jason Hale along with grandson Cayden Shue-Hopkins.  Her sister Helen “Sis” Embrey and brothers Roger Lee Kilinski and Kenneth “Kenny” Kilinski, and his wife, Linda. In addition to “her girls” Destiny and Joan, along with their children, Maclaylyn, Brianna, Marc, Alex and Carolyn, as well as a number of nieces and nephews that she loved so much.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 30, 2023 from 2 to 8 PM with Fireman’s Prayers at 7 PM. At the Benedict Volunteer Fire Department, Rescue Squad and Auxiliary, 18210 Hyatt Ave., Benedict, MD 20612.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Church-Newport, 11555 St. Mary’s Church Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. Interment will follow the funeral Mass. Father Keith Burney will be the officiant.

Pallbearers will be Mike and Bill Kilinski, Buddy and Billy Thompson, Marc Landicho and Billy Saunders.  Honorary pallbearer is Alex Landicho.

The family asks, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Donna’s name to the Benedict Auxiliary, P.O. Box 262, Benedict, MD 20612.

Repass at the Benedict Volunteer Fire Department immediately following interment.  All are welcome.

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