For forty years, Mary’s Donuts has been more than a bakery - it’s been an East County institution, a 24-hour beacon of comfort and connection where regulars gathered, friendships were born, and the scent of freshly fried apple fritters filled the air. The shop confirmed Mary’s passing in a Facebook post, writing, “Her kindness, laughter, and dedication made Mary’s Donuts more than just a place to get donuts - it became a part of people’s daily lives.”
Born with a work ethic as strong as her coffee, Mary’s journey began as a baker and manager at Winchell’s Donuts, where she learned the craft that would define her life. In 1984, she took a leap of faith, purchasing Zona’s Donut Shop - Santee’s first - on Mission Gorge Road and renaming it Mary’s Donuts. The shop quickly became a community cornerstone, known for its perfect fritters, crisp twists, and open doors at all hours of the day and night.
When freeway construction forced the business from its longtime home in 2015, Mary refused to let that be the end. Partnering with her trusted right-hand man Joel Scalzitti, she found a new location on Carlton Hills Boulevard, reopening to crowds of loyal customers eager to support her next chapter. The business eventually expanded to a second location in downtown Lakeside, carrying forward the same recipes, warmth, and family spirit that defined the original.
Mary’s Donuts has remained a family affair, with her granddaughter Kelly stepping in to help manage and now lead the business. The Hennessy family shared that Mary passed ownership to Kelly with full confidence that she would carry on her grandmother’s vision and values. “We will continue to carry forward Mary’s spirit of warmth, hard work, and community - the values that have always defined Mary’s Donuts,” the family wrote.
Mary’s Donuts has remained a family affair, with her granddaughter Kelly stepping in to help manage and now lead the business. The Hennessy family shared that Mary passed ownership to Kelly with full confidence that she would carry on her grandmother’s vision and values. “We will continue to carry forward Mary’s spirit of warmth, hard work, and community - the values that have always defined Mary’s Donuts,” the family wrote.
Over the years, Mary’s Donuts became a place of memories for countless San Diegans - a stop after late-night concerts, a morning ritual before work, or a gathering place after local games. Even in her later years, Mary was known to be at the counter, inspecting trays of jelly-filled donuts and greeting customers with the same energy and humor that made her a community favorite.
Tributes have poured in from across San Diego, with one local radio station posting, “Mary was such a huge part of East County and welcomed us with open arms many times. She made a lasting mark on the community that will never be forgotten.”
Tributes have poured in from across San Diego, with one local radio station posting, “Mary was such a huge part of East County and welcomed us with open arms many times. She made a lasting mark on the community that will never be forgotten.”
Mary’s Donuts will remain open 24/7 in her honor, continuing to serve the community she loved. Her legacy lives on through every cup of coffee, every freshly glazed twist, and every friendly smile exchanged at the counter. Mary’s memory - and her donuts - will forever be part of San Diego’s story.
Mary's Donuts has locations at 10101 Maine Avenue in Lakeside and 8959 Carlton Hills in Santee. For more information, visit marysdonuts.com.
Originally published on October 21, 2025.
