Bangor, Maine - Donna Gail (Walls) Carlstrom passed away peacefully at Hibbard Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on June 25, 2026, at age 83, one week shy of her 84th birthday. She had suffered from dementia for several years. Donna was born on July 3, 1942, to Herbert and Marie (Rogers) Walls in Millinocket.

Growing up, she attended Millinocket schools, graduating from Stearns High School in 1960. After graduation, she attended the University of Maine in Presque Isle, graduating in 1964 with a degree in early childhood education. Donna went on to become a teacher for many years. Teaching and caring for children was one of the biggest passions of her life. In April 1967, she married Gerald Carlstrom of Millinocket. After living a short period of time in Augusta, where she gave birth to her son, Erik, the family settled in Bangor, where she continued her passion for providing child care to many children and families in their neighborhood. Never forgetting her roots, holidays were always spent with their families in Millinocket. The family spent their summers camping and sunning on the beach, and for many years the family could be found at the Branch Lake Campground. In later years, Donna and Gerry enjoyed swimming and having picnics at Peaks Kenny State Park.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 58 years, Gerald Carlstrom of Bangor; her sister, Gwendolyn Stevenson of Oregon; and her brothers, Richard Walls of Texas and Robert Walls of Florida. Donna is survived by her son, Erik and his wife, Judith (Bernabei), of Portland; her stepson, Peter of Gorham; close family friend, Serena Poland of Levant; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.