Donna Jane Mae's Obituary
Donna Jane Mae, a long time Waialua resident, passed away on October 27th, 2025.
Born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Naomi and John Pope, she was one of 11 cherished children. While her future husband, Robert, a native of Waialua, was stationed there with the U.S. Air Force, the couple met and married in 1960. They were soon transferred to Ozona, Texas where their first child, Robert was born. The family later returned to Bartlesville for the birth of their daughter, Anita. In 1966, they settled in Robert’s hometown of Waialua where their third child, Melissa, was born. Donna made Waialua her home for the rest of her life.
Donna loved her Lord Jesus and her church, the First Baptist Church of Haleiwa. Her and Robert were part of the church family for almost 60 years. She also was the church secretary for a few years and was an expert of the old IBM Selectric typewriter.
Donna was a Master Quilter and is well-known for her decades of beautiful quilting She left a legacy of beautiful quilts, in both traditional pieced and Hawaiian appliqué styles. Her children, grandchildren and other family and friends were very blessed by her gifts of quilts. She was also an accomplished seamstress with professional-level skill in constructing and finishing garments including complex items like bridesmaid’s dresses.
She spent her later years playing with grandchildren on the beach or at the park and gardening in her backyard all while continuing to perfect her quilting and sewing craft.
She is survived by her husband Robert F. Mae, children Robert M.T. Mae (wife Gina Mae), Anita Mercado (husband Nestor Mercado), and Melissa Maas (husband Jerry Maas), eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Her Memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church of Haleiwa on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 at 11am. She will be buried at Mililani Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church of Haleiwa, where Donna was a devoted member.
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