Legislation
|February 10, 2022
Remembering Sister Donna Doore
Few individuals have done so much for all Maine workers, active and retired, for so long as the late State Rep. Donna Doore. A longtime member of our union, both as a career public servant and more recently as a retiree, Rep. Doore of Augusta died Jan. 31, after a long battle with cancer. Our condolences go to her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
Rep. Doore symbolized public service in everything she did. A longtime public servant and community leader, she served on the Augusta School Board from 1995 through 2000, on the Augusta City Council from 2001 through 2009, and, in retirement, as a state representative for Maine House District 85 representing part of Augusta since 2014. She loved the city of Augusta and all of its residents, and they loved her back.
During her 34 years of service at the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, she advocated for MSEA-SEIU members as a union steward, member political organizer, member of PASER (Political Action by Service Employees and Retirees), a member of our Board of Directors, a member of the State Employee Health Commission, and as a secretary and chapter delegate of our Motor Vehicle Chapter. As a member of our union, she was always a strong advocate for fair contracts and state budgets.
As a state legislator, she was a fierce advocate for quality, affordable healthcare, retirement security, Maine’s paid sick leave law, and raising Maine’s minimum wage. As a member of the Legislature’s State and Local Government Committee, she made sure the voice of public workers was heard in all of her decision making.
In retirement, she advocated for all of us as a member of our Area II Retirees Chapter. We will always remember her advocacy for all of us. Rest in Power, Sister Donna Doore!
Members share their memories of a true legend among us
Jonathan French: I remember Donna was one of the first to welcome me as an activist in MSEA, encouraging me to become a member leader myself. I also enjoyed seeing and talking with her at the State House when she was a member and then again as a Representative. She was a fighter, but her smile and positivity, regardless of circumstances, will be what I remember most. Rest in power, Donna, and thank you for all that you did for our union and Maine working families.
Cynthia Oakes: Donna was a very welcoming person. Always made time to talk when she saw us at the Statehouse. She will be missed.
Ginette Rivard: It was my first Annual Meeting as a pretty new union member. And there was this woman at the microphone shaping the discussion, offering amendments, etc. Who was this sister with the purple beret? No idea. But I knew she was someone I should pay attention to. Over time I actually met this wonderful woman. We served on committees together. We traveled to SEIU Convention together. We worked on campaigns together. I learned so much from her. We became friends. And that first impression of her never faded. You fought a good fight, always reassuring everyone that you were fine and it would all turn out okay. I don’t know how to make this okay. But I will do my best to remember the lessons you taught us and live up to them. Rest in power Donna.
Ginne Hebert: Donna was a great person to have your back and she will be missed.