Donna R. Scarpa

Donna Rae Scarpa, 81, a resident of Bowman Place in Bedford, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026. Donna lived a life defined by her dedication to others, both in her professional career as a nurse and with the family she cherished above all else.

She was born on August 30, 1944, in Manchester, NH, the daughter of Dr. Millard Bemis and Barbara Bemis. Her father was a local optometrist, and her mother was also a registered nurse. Donna earned her nursing degree from the Malden School of Nursing, and went on to spend over three decades with what is now Derry Medical Center Primary Care, serving patients across the Londonderry and Derry communities, before retiring in 2012 at age 67.  

Donna met the love of her life, Lou Scarpa, in 1972 in East Gloucester, MA. He was the owner of the former seaside Rockaway Hotel, and she was living in a beach apartment with friends on the property. They married and ultimately settled in Salem, NH, where they lived for 25 years before moving to Windham, NH. They especially enjoyed traveling to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where they had a vacation home for many years. Lou died in 2017 at the age of 89. Donna eventually moved to Bowman Place at Olde Bedford, where she became a beloved and very active member of the assisted living and memory care community, taking part in every activity offered and going on daily walks, always with her trademark warm smile.

Donna will be remembered by her daughter, Jodi Robinson of Dover, MA, as a tirelessly caring and present mother with the most good-natured sense of humor and easygoing approach; by her sister, Diane Wilkinson of Freedom, NH, as the spunky, up-for-anything sister who shared endless laughs and adventures; and by her adult grandchildren Ava Robinson and Locke Robinson of Dover as the devoted, funny, play-on-the-floor and melt-in-your-lap-kind of grandmother who just got more entertaining with age. She will be missed by a large extended family which includes five step-children from Lou’s former marriage – Robert Scarpa of Lakewood, CO, Jane (Glenn) Santini of Woburn, MA, Maria (Ric) Caruso of Plymouth, MA, Beth (Bill) Huber of Naples, FL, and the late William Scarpa; another 11 grandchildren and their growing families; nieces, nephews, and cousins’ families.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, August 20, from 12:00-2:00pm at the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main St., Salem, NH. Donna will be eulogized at 1:30. Immediately following the calling hours will be a brief and optional burial ceremony, where Donna and Lou will be interred together at the Cemetery on the Plain, Ministerial Road, Windham, NH. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com

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