AUBURN — E. Donna Applegarth, “Mimi,” 74, of 63 Old Carriage Road, Auburn, passed away Sunday, Oct. 16, at The Hospice House with her family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Bangor, Nov. 24, 1936, a daughter of the late Ralph F. and Wynona L. (Smith) Buck. She attended Lewiston schools and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1954. Her career included People’s Bank, Porteous, Dr. Jan Kippax, but the time that meant the most to her was when she was a homemaker and mother to her six children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Applegarth was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church, a member of St. Ann’s Guild and a Sunday school teacher.

She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and holidays and birthdays were always a special time as she enjoyed shopping and making peanut butter fudge. She took pride in making afghans, dolls, clothes for barbies and dolls, pot holders, dish cloths and memory bears. She also enjoyed her computer and friends that she met by playing Pogo.

Donna will be remembered for her big heart, her quick wit, and the love and pride she had for her family.

She married the love of her life, Richard L. Applegarth on Oct. 3, 1959, and together they had six children. He predeceased her in June 2008.

She leaves five daughters, Susan Levesque and husband, Donald, of Lewiston, Kathy Brown and husband, Wallace, of Auburn, Andrea Gauthier and Richard Wing, of Minot, Sally Gelinas and husband, Scott, of Lewiston and Nancy Norcross and husband, Kevin, of Oxford; her son, David J. Applegarth and his wife, Loriann, of Mechanic Falls; her grandchildren, Scott and Sarah Levesque, Rick and Lauren Brown, Robyn Coleman and Ashley Farrell, Benjamin Applegarth, Katelyn and Alexander Major, Skylar Gelinas, Cassady Applegarth and Seth Laganiere and Dawson Norcross; her great-granddaughter, Taylor Farrell; and the expecting Baby Coleman.

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard; her parents, Ralph and Wynona Buck; her sister, M. Joyce Petersen; her brother, James F. Buck; her in-laws, David and Beatrice Applegarth; and a special nephew, Martin Petersen.

The family would like to thank Dr. Eugene Ferguson, Dr. Daniel Rausch, and the caring staff of the Hospice House of Auburn.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Donna’s family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.