The matriarch of a well-loved family-run pastry shop in Brooklyn has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over three decades. Donna Ciafakas, who ran Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop in Greenpoint, died on June 30 at the age of 69, as her family shared in her obituary.
A handwritten notice was displayed on the shop’s front door to announce her passing.
“In memory of our beloved Donna, we will be closed on Wednesday, July 8th,” the sign said, accompanied by a drawing of a dove.
Ciafakas took over the bakery in 1993 with her husband, Christos, after they previously operated a diner together.
Their sons, Demetri and Spiros, soon joined the family business, helping to maintain its strong roots amidst a rapidly evolving neighborhood.
“At its heart, Peter Pan is a family-run establishment where Donna’s sister and her sons help bake and serve the donuts and pastries,” as noted on the shop’s website.
The renowned bakery, established in the 1950s, is cherished for its diverse assortment of donuts, both yeast and cake varieties, created using family recipes.
It gained a wider audience when it was featured in a scene from the Marvel film Spider-Man: No Way Home, starring Zendaya and Tom Holland.
Ciafakas’ funeral Mass is scheduled to take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Wednesday.
