Donna L. Muzzy

WAYLAND, MA / BOOTHBAY HARBOR, ME  - Donna Muzzy, 82, died peacefully on September 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, following complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Donna was born on September 8, 1944, in Shelbyville, Indiana, and later moved with her family to Holden, Massachusetts, where she excelled in school and developed a lifelong love of learning. It was during high school that she met Greg Muzzy, the young man who would become her husband, best friend, and lifelong partner. Together, they shared 60 years of marriage, building a life grounded in love, family, adventure, and mutual support.

Donna graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in nursing and soon after began her career with the Boston Visiting Nurse Association. Her instinct to care for others was evident throughout her life—not only in her profession, but in the countless ways she gave her time, energy, and love to the people around her.

When her first child, Chris, was born in 1969, Donna dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her family and to the many people whose lives she touched. As a stay-at-home mother, she embraced the role with love, giving her children her time, encouragement, and unwavering support. She was there for her children through every season of their lives, from serving as a Girl Scout troop leader to hosting countless Wellesley Raiders football team dinners. She welcomed family and friends into her home and celebrated their accomplishments with genuine pride.

The Muzzy family home was always full of life. Donna and Greg made it a place where their children and their friends knew they were welcome. She greeted everyone with joy and laughter and was never without homemade meals and snacks to share. Her children’s friends often became part of the extended Muzzy family, and Donna took great pleasure in knowing the people her children loved. She was an exceptional mother with a generous spirit and an extraordinary capacity for love.

Donna took great pride and joy in hosting holiday gatherings for family and friends. She delighted in decorating her home for each season, preparing her favorite recipes, and gathering everyone around a warm meal. She was deeply woven into the fabric of her community, opening her home with warmth and generosity for countless gatherings, celebrations, and events that brought people together.

For many years, Donna was an active member of the Wellesley Service League and served as its President from 1985 to 1986. The organization’s volunteer work focused on two priorities: youth and education, and seniors and healthcare. Donna devoted her time to numerous community programs, including Meals on Wheels, annual clothing and toy drives, and the Wellesley Food Pantry.

In 1977, Donna and Greg became active members of Wellesley Hills Congregational Church. Over the next 40 years, the church became an important part of their lives and an important community for Donna. She served with the Senior Fellowship, supported youth programs, volunteered at community events, and was always willing to step in wherever she was needed. As her children grew older, Donna returned to work, first as a school nurse and later as a preschool teacher at the Hills Church preschool. Some of her closest friendships began at the church and remained an important part of her life.

Donna’s love of music and dance was evident throughout her life. While raising her children, she took great joy in tap dancing, and her family would attend her recitals to cheer her on. She also participated in the hand bell choir at Wellesley Hills Congregational Church and always seemed to have music playing in her home.

Donna was an avid photographer who had a gift for capturing special moments in time. Whether photographing her children at sporting events, birthday parties, and graduations; the osprey nest visible from the porch of the family home in Boothbay Harbor; or Greg on their 50th wedding anniversary, Donna brought creativity, warmth, and love to everything she captured through her lens.

In the early 1990s, Donna became a partner and driving force behind the establishment of the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships in Boston and Key West, Florida. Together with Greg, and through determination, creativity, and countless hours of hard work, she helped build the enterprise into one of Boston’s most recognizable maritime attractions. Over time, the fleet expanded to include vessels such as Liberty, Liberty Clipper, and Mimi, introducing thousands of passengers to the experience and tradition of sailing.

Donna and Greg also treasured their time in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, where they were active members of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club for many years. Donna volunteered her time to support the growth of the youth programs and, as always, formed wonderful and lasting friendships along the way.

Throughout her life, Donna gave generously of herself—to her family, her friends, her church, and her community. She created a home where people felt welcomed, a family grounded in love, and a life filled with music, laughter, service, adventure, and cherished memories. Her warmth, generosity, and extraordinary capacity for love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Donna is survived by her children, Chris (Stephanie) Muzzy, Scot (Bree) Muzzy, and Beth (Robb) Markell; her cherished grandchildren, Kyla, Kendell, Camryn, James, Emma, and Theo; She was predeceased by her husband Greg and her brother, Robert Eastman. She is also survived by many extended family members, dear friends, and former colleagues whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Donna leaves behind a lifetime of love, memories, friendships, and family. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the warmth she brought into the lives of so many will endure in the people she loved and in the many lives she touched. Her family will carry her love with them always.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 9, 2026 at 1:30 p.m in the Wallace Chapel of Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, 207 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. A reception will follow.

Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Donna's memory. Donations may be made at Alzheimer's Association