GORHAM — Donna M. Bernat, the “Naples Bridge Lady” and longtime resident of Naples, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in the Memory Care unit of the Gorham House residential care facility in Gorham, ME. Donna was 84 years of age.

She worked for 27 years for the Maine DOT, beginning as the bridge operator at the Songo Locks swing bridge and then operating the swing bridge at Naples until it closed in 2012.

Donna was active in the American Legion Post 155 in Naples and was the Historian for the Ladies Auxiliary, being awarded a ribbon for her service from the Maine Department.

She was an avid fisherman who enjoyed angling from her home at the mouth of the Songo River. Donna was a gifted artist and a talented craftswoman and cook.

Donna leaves her daughter, Debra Ouellette of Casco, her son, David Keith of Naples, her daughter Tracy Hoyt and husband Steven of Naples, five grandchildren, Ashley Gregory of Va., Steven Hoyt II of Naples, Richard Ouellette of N.Y., Bridgett Keith of Portland, Nicholas Keith of Naples and five great-grandchildren, John, Kylie, and Leo Gregory all of Va., and Marshall and Ripley Hoyt of Naples.

Donna was predeceased by her husband, Richard Bernat of Naples, and her siblings, Chester and Charles Swanson, Jean Doherty, Marilyn Davis, and Pamela Pothier.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Legion, Post 155, Naples, ME.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco where Donna’s family welcomes your kind words and tributes at www.hallfuneralhome.net.