Obituary of Donna Rae Arkalis

Donna Rae (Wilmont) Arkalis, 77, a longtime resident of Burlington, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2024 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late George Arkalis who passed away in 2015.

Donna was born in Wichita, Ks the daughter of the late Geroge Richard and Rozina A. (Bennette) Wilmont. When Donna was young, she and her parents moved to South Portland, Maine, where donna was raised. She graduated from South Portland High School and was a part time hair dresser, and participated with Tops for over 30 years.

For years, Donna fought her internal struggles with resilience and determination. In the face of immense personal challenges, she sought comfort outside her home, where she could find peace amongst her friends, most recently she found comfort with the friends she made at Birchcrest. It was with these friends that she learned to navigate her way through the storm, finding moments of relief, healing and reflection. Getting out from the house became the escape she needed to breathe, pause and rediscover herself, away from the solitude of home.

Always trying to be busy, Donna enjoyed part time hairdressing and working at Zayres, managing the cash office. She loved to cook and could often be found trying to whip up a dish she had just read about in a magazine or online. She was very adventurous with her cooking and made some really amazing dishes and some that didn’t quite make the mark, leading to some hilarious conversations, and memories. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and was proud of each and every one of them and their accomplishments.

In addition to her parent’s and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Lonnie Arkalis, and a sister-in-law, Margate Wilmont.

She is survived by her son Christopher Arkalis and his wife Kim of Burlington, brother, George Wilmont of Scarborough, ME, sister-in-law, Paulette Robinson and her friend David Murphy both of Tewksbury, four grandchildren, Amanda Regan, Chris Arkalis and his fiancé Autumn, Jonathan Arkalis and Joseph Arkalis, a great grandchild London Taylor, as well as Chucky and Christine Robinson of Methuen as well several others nieces and nephews.

At her request all funeral services are private and at her family’s convenience. Contributions in her memory may be made to People Helping People at peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org