Donna Marie (Baye) Pinkney

September 15, 1959 - June 2, 2020

UTICA - Donna Marie (Baye) Pinkney, age 60, went home to the Lord when she passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 in the comfort and dignity of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on September 15, 1959, Donna Marie was the daughter of the late Ronald and Marsha (Mazurowski) Baye. She was raised and educated locally. At one time, she was married to Gregory Pinkney, a family-oriented man. He graced her life, and she was grateful for that blessing. From the age of 16 years old, Donna Marie worked as a Nursing Aid for many years at the Masonic Home, Lutheran Care, and St. Joseph Nursing Home, as well as a Private Duty Nurse caring for clients who remained in their home. She demonstrated the virtues of commitment, competence, and compassion in her vocation, and she was beloved by those under her care. She had a good rapport with people, and a great soul. Her family was first and foremost, and although she defended her children, at times, it put her in the position to have to “talk junk”. She loved to bake cheese cakes, and when Fidel wanted deviled eggs or mashed potatoes, she whipped them up! She decorated her house in seasonal themes to celebrate Christmas, Halloween, as well as all the other holidays. And she insisted that everyone had a good time! She had a wonderful relationship with her 7 granddaughters and spent much time with her youngest, Jailyn, who was a companion to Donna Marie; her 2 great-grandchildren (including her first great-grandson) captivated her heart and energized her life. Her interests included reading Danielle Steele novels and she had a vast collection of teddy bears, which ranged from Beanie Babies to Boyd’s Bears. She had a number of cats who found a great home and a good life with her. They adored her and she cared for them with love. And, oh, they ruled the house! Donna Marie was of the Catholic faith and the Lord lived in her heart. The pillar of her family, she encouraged her kids to get up if they were down, live the best life they could, and take responsibility for their actions. She was so proud of who they turned out to be. Donna Marie is survived by her children and her loves, Danielle Baye Haskins and her husband John, and Linsey Sanchez, and Fidel Abdul Sanchez and Katie Mannella; her grandchildren, Brianne, Keetoyia, Biesha, Kadeesha, and Danielle; Nyasia, and Jaylin; and her great-grandchildren, Aiden, and Mia. She also leaves her sisters, Ronnette Thomas, Kelly Jenkins, Sharon Rucker, and always remembering her late sister, Karen Retamar; her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her good friend, Lauren Lopez, with whom she shared special times. The family will honor Donna Marie’s life privately with immediate family only. Please take a moment to connect with Donna Marie’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary on our website. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our community support.