Donna Jean Gilbert

Our special mother, Donna H. Gilbert died June 22, 2012. Donna was born December 14, 1931 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Margaret Little Hendrickson and Virgil Elmer Hendrickson. Donna was the middle of three girls. Donna graduated from Northwestern High in Detroit. She worked for Economy Blue Print as a bookkeeper and met the owner’s son, Jerry. After six years of dating, they married on October 31, 1965. Donna was treasurer of Candy Apple Co-op Nursery, and then began her employment as a para-professional teacher’s aide at the Bussey Center in Southfield, Michigan. She worked for many years with pre-primary impaired children, a job she loved. Donna also proudly served as a Member-at-Large for her teacher’s union. She was an excellent seamstress, making clothing for herself and her children, and a very good cook. When she tried a new recipe, she would let Dad know by saying that it was a “Daddy’s Surprise” for dinner. Donna was very creative and enjoyed craft and textile projects. Donna did everything possible to make a good and comfortable life for her family. She set a wonderful example for her children with her hard work, tenacity, and devotion to family. She is survived by her daughter, Leah Forster of Salt Lake City, her son, Bruce, of Wayne, Michigan, and her grandson Lucas Gilbert. Preceded in death by her husband Jerry, parents, and sisters Mary Ruth Taylor and Margaret Lorraine Hendrickson. The family wishes to thank the staff of Legacy House of Bountiful and Intermountain Hospice for their tender care of Donna.
A remembrance will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 25, 2012 at Legacy House of Bountiful, 79 East Center St., Bountiful, Utah, where a viewing will be held 1 hour prior.
Funeral services and interment will be held in Michigan under the direction of The Ira Kaufman Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army or the Humane Society.