On Friday, so many members of the General Hospital family, past and present, shared their heartfelt remembrances and sorrow via social media on the news of the passing of the longtime head of their hair and make-up department, Donna Messina.

The Daytime Emmy-winning Messina, passed away on Thursday.  She was considered to be a den mother to the entire cast of the show.  Here are just some of the messages shared by current and former GH notables:

Frank Valentini, “Donna Messina (Department Head, #GH Makeup & Hair) joined the @GeneralHospital family on 8/26/1982. To say her presence will be missed is an understatement. She was an incredibly warm, witty and all around great gal. Our thoughts go out to her loved ones.”

Laura Wright: “We lost our GH mom ……. you will be deeply missed @Donnamessina”

Genie Francis: “God bless sweet Donna Messina. A great friend and mother hen of us all. We went to her with our feelings, we could speak freely & we knew we were safe..and when we needed it, she would give us a stern no bull talking to, to set us straight. There was no better friend. Godspeed.

Dominic Zamprogna: “Donna welcomed me and treated me like a long lost Italian family member from day 1. Always supportive always smiling. Heart. Broken. Rest easy beautiful Donna.”

Photo: Jim Warren via MBenardInstagram

Maurice Benard:  “Sometimes you meet someone in life you connect with and unfortunately life just takes that person away.  And no matter how much your heart breaks you want to remember the good times.  My best friend, my sister, Donna used to hate taking pictures.. I used to have to grab her and hold her. And we would laugh and laugh.  I will never forget this memory, and I will never forget what you meant in my life.”

Nancy Lee Grahn: “My longest & dearest friend at GH was deeply private. I hold that sacred as I do her life & afterlife. Still, TY for ur kind words of support. Love abounds here today.”

Steve Burton: “We lost a beautiful soul last night. Way too soon! The one who held it all together. Was always there for everyone. A mom to everyone. Someone we can all count on. Donna Messina. I love you. Thank you . Rest In Peace.”

Wally Kurth: “Our dear Donna Messina. We will miss you so much. I always loved sitting in your makeup chair, getting the low down, hearing the latest studio gossip. You were the heart and soul of the GH hair/makeup room. Heartbreaking. RIP”

Photo: Jim Warren via Wally Kurth Instagram

Jason Thompson: “Donna was truly a one of kind. You always got it straight from her.”

Kimberly McCullough: Sending my GH family so much love on this sad morning. We lost a good one.

Jon Lindstrom:  “Life is often mystifying in this way. Donna Messina preceded my arrival to “GH”, and I got there in ‘92! I loved her, as we all did, for her support and kindness, her no-bullshit attitude and honesty. I miss her already. R.I.P.”

Jean Passassante: “I’m devastated about Donna. I’ll always remember her kindness in trying to glitz me up for parties, and how she was everyone’s wise pal. Or Mom. Thinking of you, Mo, and the rest of the GH family.”

Share your condolences to Donna’s loved ones via the comment section below, and share your thoughts on the outpouring of love shown by the cast of GH with their touching sentiments for their longtime colleague.