1936-2014 AUGUSTA - Donna Cooper Whitaker, 78, passed away April 3, 2014, at home with her family by her side after a brave and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Bath on Feb. 20, 1936, the daughter of Lindsay and Katherine King Cooper. In 1944, the family moved to Augusta where Donna graduated from Cony High School in 1954 and Gates Business College in 1955. On June 18, 1955, she married her beloved husband, Stanton Whitaker, and they shared 58 wonderful years together. Donna was a homemaker for most of her life and also cared for children in her home for several years. In 1983 she began working at the Maine State Library retiring in 1998 as administrative secretary to the Maine State librarian. Donna was a 63-year member of Chelsea Advent Christian Church, where she faithfully played the piano and served in several positions, most recently as treasurer. She was also a member and treasurer of the Washington Advent Christian Campground in Washington. Donna was a member of Lily of the Valley chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Capitol Area Wheels chapter of Good Sam. Donna is survived by her loving husband, Stanton Whitaker, of Augusta; one son, David Whitaker, and his wife, Jennifer, of Presque Isle; two daughters, Diane Smith, and her husband, Scott, of Hudson, N.H., and Pamela Allen and her husband, Curt, of Hallowell; 10 grandchildren, Greg Whitaker and his wife, Erica, of Mapleton, Joel Whitaker and his fiancé, Elizabeth Kofstad, and Aaron Whitaker, of Presque Isle, Timothy Smith and his wife, Marie, of Burlington, Ky., Rebecca Smith, of Hudson, N.H., and Michael Smith and his wife, Alicia, of Manchester, N.H., and Chad Allen, Laura Allen, Emily Allen and Katie Allen, all of Hallowell. She is also survived by a brother, Richard D. Cooper, and his wife, Dottie, of Freeport; and several cousins. Donna was predeceased by her parents; and a toddler grandson, Tyler Cooper Allen. The family wishes to give special thanks to the Alfond Cancer Center and Hospice nurses for the excellent care and compassion they showed to Donna and her family. Relatives and friends may visit from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. A celebration of Donna's life will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2014, at Hope Baptist Church, U.S. Route 202, Manchester. Spring burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Washington Advent Christian Campground, in care of Pam Allen, 2 Deer Lane, Hallowell, ME 04347. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.