Print
Donna Cochran
It is with great sadness that Downeast CU shares the loss of their dear friend and colleague, Donna Cochran.
Donna began her career with Downeast in May of 1999, leading their CUSO, Consolidated Solutions. As the credit union continued to grow, Donna was promoted to their very first Vice President of Human Resources. Donna’s positive energy, contagious smile, and welcoming hugs made her the finest choice for this role. Over the years she added a tremendous amount of value to their team and credit union. She was instrumental in reshaping Downeast’s culture and making the credit union one of the Best Place’s to Work in Maine for eight years in a row.
Donna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, friend, and colleague. She leaves a legacy of caring, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Her loss marks the end of an era at Downeast, and the team there will continue to remember her well.
Our League extends our heartfelt condolences to Donna’s colleagues and loved ones. A copy of her obituary as it appears on Mays Funeral Home’s website is pasted below.
Donna Lee Cochran, 61, passed away on February 8, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Schenectady, NY on September 26, 1963, Donna was the daughter of Boyde T. Ripley and Joyce G. Kratka Ripley. Her early life was shaped by her father’s work with the Navy Airlines, which saw the family living in New York, Vermont, and Rhode Island, before settling for good in Maine in 1977.
Donna graduated from Lee Academy in 1981. She then pursued higher education which led her to the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She later attended Washington County Community College, where she graduated in 1983 with an associate’s degree in Business Management. Donna’s passion for learning fueled her successful career, starting with 15 years as an office manager at Georgia-Pacific, followed by a tenure at Fulghum Fibers and culminating at Downeast Credit Union.
Becoming a wife and mother were the heart of Donna’s life. Married to her beloved husband, Mitch, since May 26, 1984, Donna created a harmonious home filled with love, selflessness, and nourishing devotion. Together, raised two children, Courtney and Tyler, with Donna serving as the leading light and a cheerleader in every aspect of their lives. Donna’s love for her children radiated in all facets of her life. She navigated the role of both mother and wife with an effortless grace that left an indelible impression on all who witnessed it. Her unwavering support, care, and fierce protection of her children were the pillars of her existence. As a mother, Donna’s love knew no bounds. She was not just a mother but a guiding light, shaping her children’s values and behaviors and offering consistent guidance and encouragement throughout all stages of their lives. Donna’s children knew they were loved, cherished, and nurtured unconditionally. She was also a doting Mimi to her granddaughters Blair, Blake, and Madelynn, providing them with unconditional love, guidance, and playful companionship.
Donna’s professional journey at Downeast Credit Union began in May 1999, where she quickly became an indispensable part of the team. Leading the credit union’s dealership lending subsidiary, Consolidated Solutions, as its Vice President. Donna was instrumental in growing the subsidiary, increasing the number of credit unions served to fourteen. As Downeast Credit Union continued to grow, Donna was promoted to their very first Vice President of Human Resources. As Vice President of Human Resources, Donna’s positive energy, contagious smile, and welcoming nature made her a much-loved figure. Under her watch, the credit union culture thrived, employ turnover decreased, and the company enjoyed eight consecutive years as a ‘Best Place to Work in Maine’. Above all, Donna had a unique ability to make everyone she worked with feel cherished and special.
Donna’s interests extended beyond her professional life. She enjoyed interior decorating, cooking and baking, gardening, collecting magnets from her travels, and taking boat rides. Her smart, thoughtful, and compassionate nature was mirrored in everything she did, from her devotion to her family to her dedication to her career. Donna found solace and joy at the family lake house on Spednic Lake. These cherished times spent in the tranquility of nature were a testament to her love for life’s simple pleasures.
Donna is survived by her husband Mitchell Cochran, her children Courtney Macdonald and husband Scott, and Tyler Cochran and partner Anneka; her parents Boyde and Joyce Ripley; her brothers Dean Ripley and wife Melanie, and Mike Ripley and partner Tammy; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jeffrey Cochran and wife Terry, Marion Phelps and husband Robert, and Darlene Donahue; her granddaughters Blair, Blake, and Madelynn; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her in-laws Lyman and Kathleen Cochran, and her brother-in-law Shawn Donahue.
Donna Cochran was a beacon of light to all who knew her. Her courageous spirit, empathetic heart, and thoughtful demeanor will forever be remembered. Everyone marveled at her strength and courage while she battled cancer with resilience, grace, and beauty.
Visitation will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais, where a celebration of Donna’s life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17.