In loving memory of

Donna Gilchrist
January 28, 1955 - April 23, 2016

Donna Ann Gilchrist, 61, formerly of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away April 23 at Edencrest at Riverwoods in Des Moines, Iowa, after a long and courageous fight with ovarian cancer.

Donna was born in Ames, Iowa, to Donald and Angelyn (Braland) Gilchrist. She graduated from Ames High School in 1973 and received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education / Library Science from Northwest Missouri State University in 1983. She touched many lives through her career as a school librarian with the Colo-Nesco school district from 1983-2002 and in the University City, Missouri school district from 2002-2014. She was a member of the DAR and enjoyed spending free time researching family history and sharing her discoveries with cousins.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by numerous friends and relatives who will remember her for her love of all things Norwegian, her strong spirit, and her wonderful sense of humor. Cremation has been performed and a memorial with family and friends will be held in August. Burial will be at the Ontario Cemetery in Ames.

Those who wish may direct memorials to cancer research or a charity of choice in Donna's name. Online condolences may be shared at www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.

Tributes

J B wrote on May 24, 2022:

"Never forgotten. I remember our days at Roosevelt. You were always so kind."

Becky (Flynn) Riordan wrote on May 2, 2016:

" I lost one of my childhood friends. Peace be with you Donna!"

Sharon Collmann Justice wrote on Apr 30, 2016:

"Donna was a gentle soul who did not complain about her health. I remember her slowly walking the three flights of stairs to the library at the McCallsburg building. She would be out of breath as we visited a minute and then Donna was off to her room. Never complained or gave up. I feel honored to have known Donna. Her health has now been restored, as Donna has been reunited with her parents. "

Za Goodbrake wrote on Apr 28, 2016:

"I worked in Donna's library at Flynn Park in 2011. We shared a love of fairy tales and sarcasm. I learned a lot about life from her in those 4 months. Her spirit was unbreakable with all the challenges and treatments she endured. My heart is heavy knowing she is gone. "

Christy Willey wrote on Apr 28, 2016:

"When I joined the Flynn Park Family in 2007, it was nice having a fellow Iowegian at work. I loved when she brought back Norwegian treats to share with us! Rest in Peace Donna. "

Lori Adkins wrote on Apr 28, 2016:

"Thinking of all the silly times we had together. Her determination and strong will kept her going through many struggles. I miss my friend, but am glad she is reunited with her parents and pain free."

Paula Henderson wrote on Apr 27, 2016:

"I think about Donna all the time. I enjoyed the many conversations we had. I only knew her for a short time but she really became a big part of my life. Thankful she is out of pain and enjoying her new heavenly body cancer free."