Donna Kathleen "Kathy" Hemstock

LARGO, Md. -- Kathy Hemstock died Oct. 12, 2021, at University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, from complications of encephalitis. She was 63. Donna Kathleen Hemstock was born in Rock Springs, Wyo., the daughter of Hobert V. and Roberta J. Bell Sloat. She graduated from Rock Springs High School and attended Western Wyoming Community College, majoring in art. Even as a youngster she had an interest in wildlife, nature and pets, raising tropical fish for sale when she was a teen and later in life breeding Siamese cats and miniature pinscher dogs. She enjoyed the great outdoors. She was a great fly fisher and big-game hunter. She loved the mountains of Wyoming, Colorado and North Carolina. She worked at Pamida, a discount retailer, while in Rock Springs. After she moved to Florida she worked many years as a veterinary technician honing her pet care skills. She continued to work with local veterinarians after moving to Millington, Md. Briefly, she worked for the Humane Society of Kent County. In 2008 she opened Head of Chester Hairy Hounds, a pet grooming shop in Millington. She built the business from scratch and ran it successfully, making life better for local dogs and cats, until becoming ill in October 2020. The shop continues operation under the ownership of a family member. She was active in the community, serving several years on the Millington Planning Commission and was involved in Millington Day and the farmer’s market there. She was also involved in politics, promoting her preferred candidate during of the 2020 election. She loved flowers and plants, lizards, finches, cats, dogs and tropical fish. She liked antiques and any decoration with an owl or cat motif. A pickup truck was her car of choice. She enjoyed working in her garden and watching the birds eat their fill from the feeders in the backyard. She liked her iced coffee in the summer and the same brew steaming hot and strong in the winter. She took great joy caring for her doggies, particularly her little Chihuahua Teeks. More than anything, she loved doing crafts, baking cookies and bonding with her grandchildren, especially during the holidays. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Kevin Hemstock of Millington; daughters Laurie Walker Petrano of South Carolina and Melissa Brousseau (Paul) of Millington; grandchildren Julia, Ashley and Chase; step grandchildren Brock and Bella; a sister, Diana Foster (Randy) of Rock Springs; brothers Max (Jillian), of Alaska; John, of Wyoming; and James; a sister-in-law, Stephany Barrett (Pat) of Easton, Md.; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, and three brothers, William, Robert and Joe. Burial will be private. A celebration of life will be Oct. 25, 1-3 p.m. at Fellows Family Funeral Home, 370 Cypress St., Millington. Casual attire is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Animal Care Shelter for Kent County. Arrangements by Fellows Family Funeral Home, Millington, Md.

Donna Kathleen "Kathy" Hemstock

April 10, 1958 - October 12, 2021