Wallingford, Donna Rae (Gilbreth) 82 Dec. 16, 1933 May 07, 2016 Donna was born Dec. 16, 1933, in The Dalles, to Wesley LeRoy and Wilma Gilbreth, and big sister, Beverly. Donna lost her fight with lung cancer and passed away May 7, 2016, in her home. In her youth, a job for her father brought the family to Portland where Donna attended Woodstock grade school and graduated from Commerce High School in 1951 (later became Cleveland High School). During her years in school, Donna made lasting friendships that continued throughout her life. Her close girlfriends were important to her. Donna was an integral part of her annual school reunion with her excellent record keeping and organizational skills up to and including 2015. In high school Donna found the world of photography, doing dark room photo processing, tinting black and white portraits and modeling for a photographer. The importance of a visual history led her to create many detailed photo albums and displays of her family, friends and travels that will be enjoyed by her generations to come. Donna was married to Melvin Hoffas 1951 to 1955 (deceased) and had two children from this marriage, Cathleen Ann and Russel Dean. She was married to Melvin Walker 1957 to 1965 (deceased) and had two children from this marriage, Diana Marie and Clayton Allen. Melvin Walker adopted Donnas children, Cathleen and Russel, from her previous marriage. She was married to Paul Wallingford in 1966 until his death from lung cancer in 1998 and had four stepchildren from this marriage, Keith, Darcy, Jill and Cinda. Donnas work history: 1952 to 1954 worked for John Raef, neurosurgeon, doing medical transcription. 1954 to 1957 - Oregon Physicians Service as promotion managers secretary. 1960 to 1962 - Maydwell & Hartzell as secretary. 1966 to 1974 - Associated Administrators as plan managers secretary. June 1974 - (moved to Aberdeen, Wash.) worked for Aberdeen School District No. 5 as business managers secretary. 1977 - Promoted to Aberdeen School District superintendents secretary. 1980 - Moved back to Portland. 1981 to 1992 - Louisiana-Pacific director of taxes and internal audits secretary. Donna had a full life. As a young lady, she enjoyed tennis. She loved dancing and square danced for years, boating and waterskiing with Paul, crafting, beach combing on the Oregon coast, daily crossword puzzles, for a time she was a member of the Red Hat Society, in the most recent years she enjoyed road trips with her friends and garage sales. Above all, her most favorite thing was her love for the Christmas season. She was known for her Christmas dcor displays both in and outside her home, and was passionate about sharing them with her family and friends. She loved her family very much and found great happiness in creating the Christmas spirit for them. She made many friends at Quail Hollow Mobile Home Park where she lived for many years. She enjoyed their coffee gatherings and outings. She was predeceased by her parents, Roy and Wilma Gilbreth; husband, Paul Wallingford; sons, Russ Walker and Clay Walker; and grandson, Nathan Walker. She is survived by her sister, Beverly Bozell; nephew, Donald Proebstel; nieces, Joan Wolf, Deborah OMalley and Tina DuBry, and their families; daughter, Cathy Martine and spouse, Pam Steinkamp; daughter, Diana Strom and spouse, David; grandson, Brandon Martine, spouse, Emily and great-grandson, Cameron; grandson, Travis Walker, spouse, Tabitha and great-grandchildren, Austin and Jade; and grandson, Eric Martine, spouse, Ramona and great-grandchildren, Hailey and Kylie. A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016, at Quail Hollow Mobile Home Park recreation hall, 21100 N.E. Sandy Blvd., Fairview, OR 97024. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a monetary donation to The American Lung Association in Donnas honor.
Published by The Oregonian from May 12 to May 15, 2016.