Donna Elaine Bennick

April 16, 1959 - July 30, 2017

Chapel Hill

Donna Elaine Bennick of Chapel Hill died July 30, 2017. Born on April 16, 1959 to Linda and Jerry Bennick, Donna grew up in Concord, NC. As a child she loved more than anything to dance, and when it came time to select a college she enrolled in East Carolina University as a dance major, but after two years she transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill to pursue her other dream of becoming a lawyer. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1981 with a BA with Honors in Political Science and from the UNC School of Law in 1984.

Immediately after graduation Donna moved to New York City, where she practiced law for the next twenty years, first as a public defender with the Legal Aid Society of New York City and then as a matrimonial lawyer with the firms of Hoffinger Friedland and Sheresky Aronson Mayefsky & Sloan; and then in her own practice. Donna married Joel Hasen in 2000, and in 2002 they relocated to Chapel Hill where she established a new family law practice.

Donna was not only a great attorney who fought brilliantly for justice for her clients, she was an open-hearted friend to all kinds of people irrespective of station or status, a fiercely loyal UNC fan, a dedicated gardener and a passionate devotee of the Grateful Dead. Donna had an unlimited capacity for love, which she bestowed on so many people who in return loved her. Her loss leaves us with aching hearts and beautiful memories.

Donna is survived by her parents, Linda and Jerry Bennick of Concord, NC, her husband, Joel Hasen of Chapel Hill, her two stepchildren, Nina Hasen of Washington, DC and David Hasen of Mill Valley, CA, and by a host of extended family members whom she loved and cherished. Celebrations of Donna's life will be held on Saturday, August 12 at 3 pm at New Gilead Reformed Church, 2400 Old Salisbury-Concord Rd., Concord, NC; and on Saturday, August 26 at 4 pm in Reeves Auditorium at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens, 100 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill. Gifts in remembrance of Donna may be made to New Gilead Reformed Church, 2400 Old Salisbury-Concord Rd., Concord, North Carolina 28025; to the Dispute Settlement Center, 302 W. Weaver St., Carrboro, NC 27510; or to the charity of one's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Aug. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Donna Bennick

Sponsored by City of Oaks Cremation.

20 Entries

Denice Dewerth

July 31, 2023

Donna: I think of you often, and I´m so thankful to have known you to have worked with you, and all that I learned from you. You were and are a shining Star

William Scott McClellan

July 30, 2023

We were blessed to know Donna since she was a young family friend. Her personality was as bright as her spirit and love of life! We think of you often "Donna B."

Les Burns

July 28, 2023

Donna, It was an honor working with you! Ronnie Long thanks you for all you did for him. Ronnie was freed in 2020 after serving 44 years for crimes he didn´t commit. Governor Cooper issued him full Pardons of innocence. You gave him hope when he had little else. Thank you!

Les Burns

July 28, 2021

Not a week goes by that I don't think about you, Donna. You helped so many during your career.

Les Burns

August 25, 2017

I had the honor to meet and assist Donna on one of her many cases to which she was so deeply dedicated. The world needs a lot more like her. I will miss her.

Sharmin

August 24, 2017

Donna Bennick was very kind and helpful when she worked with me on a legal matter. I was grateful to find an attorney that I could trust. I wish her family and friends strength in this sad time.

Linda Dobson

August 23, 2017

Donna was a good friend. She had a very loving spirit. She was graceful, kind and generous. My husband and I were so happy to see her and Joel when they came to NY a few months ago. We are very saddened by her sudden departure. Donna, you will be missed.

Linda Cann

August 19, 2017

Forever you will be missed. Thank you, for ALL OF THE GREATEST TIMES EVER. You were the best person EVER to tough my life. For me, you will always LIVE ON in my heart and my soul.

Joel, thank you for loving our DONNA!!!

(LINDA CANN ... 425 PARK AVE., NY,NY)

LINDA CANN

August 15, 2017

Donna was so important to me and my family. I have such good memories of all the help and kindness she provided. Her genuine interest was supportive and reassuring. Best wishes and thoughts to her family, this must be a difficult time. S. Rock

Joanne Perry

August 14, 2017

If you had Donna Bennick for a friend,you did not need any other friends. She was a
delightful woman and so intelligent - but with a big heart. She will be missed by a lot of folks who knew her. My condolences to her husband, Joel, and the family.

Joanne Perry

August 10, 2017

I worked with Donna (and Joel) for many years in New York at Hoffinger Friedland. She was always so upbeat and happy. She will definitely be missed.

Michele Lappin

Donna at my wedding

Emily Smith

August 7, 2017

Donna was one of my very best friends at UNC. We had such fun times cheering the Tarheel basketball team on when they won the national championship in '82. A more avid Tarheel fan than Donna was a rarity. I lived with her at Carolina Apartments in Chapel Hill one summer and remember this time fondly.

Dona attended my wedding in '85 (the photo is from that joyous occasion), and I enjoyed visiting with her in NYC many years ago as well as numerous phone calls. I so regret that we finally lost touch for so long in the 1990s.

Donna and I finally reconnected online recently and caught up via long emails, and I was so looking forward to getting together in person back in Chapel Hill. I never dreamed we'd run out of time to do so so soon and will always regret this. She was taken from us far too soon, and I will miss and love her always.

My deepest condolences to her husband Joel and to her loving parents.

Denice Fisher

August 6, 2017

Sending prayers at this difficult time

Denice Fisher

August 6, 2017

Heaven welcomes an another beautiful Angel. I wish to praise Donna for the many years of guidance, education , and her friendship. Extending Prayers for all those that are saddened and heartbroken over the sudden loss of such a unique person that was so loved, You will be truly missed Donna. RIP

August 6, 2017

Love and admiration to this beautiful girl, with her great spirit, lovely capacity for friendship and fun, and for the times I shared with her at UNC and shortly thereafter in New York. Her spirit, great mind, and zeal were just exceptional. Much love to her family. Jennifer Cresimore LeMay

Tony Parrott

August 5, 2017

Donna was a sweet person and a fine attorney. She will be missed on both counts. I am so sorry for your loss.

Angie Griffin Vincoli

August 3, 2017

Oh the fun we had in dance classes. Love and comfort to all who are missing our dear Donna.

Rebecca Whitley

August 3, 2017

So sorry for your loss! It has been a long time since I have seen any of the family! Just so you know who I am I am the Widow of Nick L Whitley who was the son of Morris and Ruby Whitley. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.

Meg, Rhone and Jude Alverson

August 3, 2017

Donna's love and kindness, humor, intelligence, compassion and abiding goodness will live on in the many lives she touched. She is a bright and shining star that will continue to light our ways.

Laura Lauffer

August 3, 2017

Donna was a great help to me as a professional attorney. She handled my case with grace, integrity and compassion. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss to our community.

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