Donna Jean Hazen

WORCESTER - Donna Jean Hazen, 70, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025 following a brave battle with a rare illness.

Born at Fort Devens in Shirley, Donna Jean was the daughter of the late Joseph and Phyllis (Slater) Nagle. As an "army brat," she spent her early years traveling the country and the world with her siblings and parents, both of whom served in the army. They eventually put down roots in West Boylston where her mother managed the West Boylston Motel.

Fiery and determined from the start, Donna Jean began working at age 18 in the warehouse at UPS, sorting packages and holding her own among her male coworkers. Over the years, she built a career as an administrative assistant at A.G. Edwards, Inc and Babcock Borsig Power. Later she enjoyed coordinating driving lessons for teens at the Central Mass Safety Council Driving School. More recently, she could be found serving at Pub 99 or greeting neighbors as a cashier at Stop & Shop-roles she cherished for the chance to connect with her community and give back to others. She was especially fond of the relationships she developed with older adults who she respected dearly.

Donna Jean had a gift for gardening, a green thumb that matched her deep love of nature. She was a lover of all animals, both wild and domestic. Music, too, was a lifelong passion. A rock-and-roll soul, she sang with the band Dark Horse for over 20 years and previously with several others, including Lambchops and The Night Owls. A proud "Dead Head," she made many treasured memories following The Grateful Dead to watch them perform live.

Donna Jean will be remembered for her thoughtful generosity, her mischievous sense of humor, and her trademark red lipstick kisses she so playfully left behind-small reminders of a woman who lived life boldly and with love.

Donna Jean leaves behind her beloved daughter Kayla Hazen and her partner Thaddeus Kaliszewski of Shrewsbury; her siblings, Joseph Nagle and Patricia Lemay; nephew Curtis Lemay; aunts, cousins, and many lifelong friends. She is preceded in death by her brother Timothy Nagle.

Donna Jean's journey was made gentler and brighter thanks to the extraordinary love and care of her dear friend Marie Poirier, for whom the family holds endless gratitude.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 17th from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A mass of Christian burial will be held the next day, Thursday, September 18th at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 111 Worcester Street, West Boylston. Burial will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, West Boylston with a celebration of life to follow. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, Donna Jean's family asks that those looking to honor her memory perform a random act of kindness.