GILLETT, Donna

Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Donna Gillett April 29, 1934 - February 16, 2014 Donna Gillett passed away February 16 in Lafayette, CA. She is survived by her 3 children; Lisa Gillett of Moraga, CA, Sue Gillett of Scottsdale, AZ, & Daniel Gillett of San Jose, CA; and 3 grandchildren Tyler, Cody and Casey. Donna was born April 29, 1934 to Howard & Laurie Sheppard in Fargo, ND. She enjoyed playing card games with sister Jan and mother. She attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, was a member of Alpha Phi Beta and graduated in 1956 with a double major. While at Hamline she found Jerry Gillett and began their enduring romance together. They began a long and happy marriage on June 16, 1956. With Jerry’s work with IBM, the budding family moved often spending time in Omaha, DC, Tokyo, Woodland Hills,CA and Saratoga, CA, which was their home for 25 years. While in Saratoga Donna volunteered and later became VP of the Ming Quong Society. Donna & Jerry loved food and Donna enjoyed making gourmet meals. Her family was her world. Everyone who met Donna knew she had a kind soul. Entering retirement they began their final move to Tucson in 1993. Their love of travel & exploration continued, visiting over 100 countries. A memorial celebration will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley. The family suggests any donations be sent to the Splendido Scholarship Fund. A loving wife, mother & grandmother, she will be greatly missed.