Donna Marie Mildrum

Donna Marie Mildrum of Colchester died on Oct. 12, 2026, at Hartford Hospital with her family by her side after a courageous fight with cancer. She was born on Aug. 16, 1961, in New London to Jacquelyn and Louis Mildrum. She grew up in Lyme with her younger siblings, Joyce and Michael. Donna attended Lyme/Old Lyme schools, graduating from high school in 1979. She was studious, smart, and was always reading a book or  listening to music. Donna developed her lifelong love of the arts, drawing, and music during her childhood and adolescent years. She collected many albums in her youth, with David Cassidy and the Partridge Family being her early favorites. One of her favorite stories was about a new owner of one of her albums tracking her down and sending her a Facebook message because her name was on the record; he wanted to compliment her taste in music.

Donna was a talented artist, and she nurtured her love of the arts by attending the Harris School of Art in Franklin, Tennessee, and later Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, where she made lifelong friends. Donna worked for many years at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford before starting her career in human resources, retiring from Fiserv in 2023. 

She will be remembered for her sharp wit, high intellect, and sarcasm. Despite being a self-proclaimed cynic and curmudgeon, she was anything but. She was a closet optimist, the first to cry at a beautiful song, feel moved by a piece of art, and be touched by literature. She was passionate about the things she liked, joining fan clubs for her favorite musical artists, where she met many of her dearest friends. She had an eclectic and impassioned taste, with her favorites ranging from Josh Groban to Puddles Pity Party to Led Zeppelin to Hozier. She loved to introduce others to her favorite shows, movies, and music, but she loved to travel the most. She especially enjoyed her numerous visits to Ireland, and her beloved family and friends joined her on every visit. 

Donna also loved music and literature, with a special fondness for theater and movies. She had an amazing knowledge of artists, actors, and movies, all of which she would proudly voice her opinion on and come in clutch with during trivia contests. Everyone knew to leave the movie and theater questions to Donna; that was a sure path to victory. She was especially fond of old black-and-white movies, an opinion she attempted to convey to her family. She was always the DJ and took no suggestions -- she played what she wanted. 

Donna loved her nieces and nephews deeply and fiercely, and she was passionate about exposing them to the arts and culture. She had a special bond with her nephew Christopher, and was instrumental in raising him. Donna showed up to every sports game, graduation, event, celebration, no questions asked and with no hesitation. For her nieces and nephews, she was always there: a constant figure who brought nothing but love, pride, and support. 

In July 2024, Donna was diagnosed with cancer. She faced this diagnosis with her usual disposition: sarcasm and cynicism. She was brave and strong, and she never let her diagnosis dull her biting wit. Her diagnosis propelled Donna to accomplish a lifelong desire to adopt a dog, and she brought her adored black lab Niamh home in 2025. 

Donna was artistic, eclectic, and brave. She loved fiercely and followed her passions with no inhibitions. She was independent and deeply compassionate. There will forever be a place for her at the Sunday dinner table. She will be profoundly missed by everyone who loved her.

Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Jacquelyn Kiefer Mildrum. Donna is survived by her father Louis Mildrum, her sister, Joyce Johnson, and brother-in-law John; her nieces and nephews, Scott,  Pamela, Alvan, Christopher, Avery, Hanna, and Terrance; her brother, Michael Mildrum, and nephew Christopher; her great-niece Willow and great-nephew Jaidyn; her dear college friend Rose Lamoureux, her life long friend, Rachel Taylor; and her dog, Niamh. 

The family invites Donna's friends to a celebration of life on Sunday, Nov. 8, beginning at 1 p.m. at Lyme Public Hall, 482 Hamburg Road, Lyme. We'll wear green and share our favorite memories of an unforgettable person. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Connecticut Public Radio, Connecticut Public Television or your favorite animal shelter.