Donna Erklenz Wolf

Donna Lee Erklenz Wolf, dressmaker, artist, musician, wife and mother passed away peacefully with the setting sun on Tuesday evening, March 11, 2025, at Seaside Rehabilitation Center in Portland, Maine, with loving family by her side. Donna was born on Feb. 16, 1935 in Canadaguia, NY, the eldest daughter of Donald John Erklenz and Frances Vera Schrader Erklenz; her siblings were Nancy Erklenz Montgomery and James Nelson Erklenz. Donna grew up in Penfield, NY and graduated from Penfield High School in 1953. She was a gifted lyric soprano and classical pianist, who studied at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, and sang for many church, theatrical and community events. Donna Erklenz met Wilbur Wolf when she was in sixth grade, and she instantly knew she would someday marry him. Wilbur was a Freshman at Penfield High, having lunch one day. He wondered who that pretty new girl was, and they struck up a conversation. He didn't think much about it, but did notice she came into his view occasionally. As it turned out, Wilbur married his high school sweetheart, Donna Lee Erklenz, on September 5, 1953. They were blessed with three children: Robin, Airin, and Phyllis. A few years after tying the knot, she moved with Wilbur to Teaneck, NJ, where he enrolled and graduated from Luther College. While there, she participated in taking a few Bible courses. In 1963 Donna began a sewing business in Ramsey, NJ, doing clothing alterations to help the family income. Wilbur worked as an orderly, and attended and graduated from the Rockland School of Nursing in Suffern NY, in 1966. Wilbur’s nursing career took the family to Cooperstown, NY and Bar Harbor, ME. In 1968, Donna was able to study the Elements of Design in dressmaking as a student of a well known couturier in Bernardsville, NJ, while continuing her business. She owned 2 Calico Fabric Shoppes in Cooperstown and Bar Harbor. She made time for her love of music, participating in choirs and coordinating with Wilbur in his love of music. Donna and Wilbur took painting classes together, and she became a prolific painter. She painted numerous murals in public buildings including Christ Church in Cooperstown. Donna participated in Girl Scouts and became a leader. She was a lifelong teacher of art and crafts for children, adults and seniors in multiple community programs. She was an excellent cook, with a bright green thumb, who incorporated the bounty of herbs, vegetables, and floral arrangements from the family garden onto her dining table. Guests at the bed and breakfast Donna and Wilbur owned, Primrose Cottage Inn in Bar Harbor, enjoyed her cooking. She and Wilbur loved cats and there was often a special feline or two around. She prioritized time with her husband and children who flourished. Donna realized a goal she held for her three children when all earned baccalaureate degrees, and went on to further studies. A devoted and loving mother and wife, she possessed a keen intelligence, expansive creativity and ability to flourish wherever she was planted. Donna was strong and resilient, yet precious as a rose. Donna was generous to others with her time and resources, and often put herself last for the good of family needs. Everything she did, she did it for "you." Even in her final years when health problems limited her mobility, she crocheted a hat or scarf almost daily, and gave away her creations to staff, family, friends and to the benefit of multiple organizations who sold her wares during fundraisers. Donna was predeceased by her beloved husband Wilbur Ernest Wolf and nephew Jacob Glenn Donovan, as well as her siblings Nancy and Jim. She is survived by daughter Robin Lee Wolf Donovan, husband Randy Bradford Donovan and their daughter Katherine Theresa Donovan; son Airin Christopher Wolf and wife Christine Cannell Wolf; daughter Phyllis Wolf Wilkins, husband Timothy Sartin Wilkins and their 2 daughters Alexandra Reid Turnbull, with husband Jacob Louis Turnbull, and Olivia Browning Leone with husband Andrew James Leone. Donna’s great grandchildren are Luca Timothy Turnbull, Owen Kingsleigh Turnbull, and Addison Mae Leone. A celebration of Donna’s life will commence at 2 pm on Saturday April 26, 2025 in Emmanuel Chapel at the Cathedral of St. Luke, 143 State St., Portland, with internment of ashes in the Memorial Garden immediately thereafter. A reception in the Parish Upper Hall will follow.

Donna Erklenz Wolf

February 16, 1935 - March 11, 2025