Donna Jean Douglass

Donna Jean Douglass passed away peacefully in her Labyrinth Grove home, near Gig Harbor, on “Pi Day” of March 14, with long-time canine companion Cassi at her side. She was born in Walla Walla to Donald Douglass and Jean Eubanks Blake. As highlighted by one of her friends, “Donna lived an enterprising life” and will certainly live on in the hearts and memories of many.

Donna grew up in Walla Walla. She attended St. Paul’s School for Girls, Mills College in Oakland, and completed her Undergraduate and Graduate studies at the University of Washington. At UW, she was a proud Husky and member of Delta Gamma sorority.

After securing her Master’s Degree in Social Work, she joined Child Study & Treatment Center at Western State Hospital in 1962, and was highly regarded for her work with many children and their families throughout her career there. She moved to Lakewood at that time, and later to Gig Harbor in 1967, where she lived ever since. Her first home in Gig Harbor was on Henderson Bay, near Glencove, of which she joked “there aren’t many neighbors nearby in the Winter, but I’ve actually got some neighbors in the Summer!”

Family was important to Donna, and she took particular pride in her 5 nieces and nephews….Kelly, Katie, Scott, Jeff, and Allison Blake; they always looked forward to fun and unique presents “Aunt Donna” would find for holidays. She had a special relationship with her Grandmother, Lillian Eubanks, or Nana, who was so instrumental in her upbringing. Donna is survived by her brother, Rick Blake (Beverly) of Bainbridge Island, and cousins Meg Eubanks, and Kathryn (Jerry) Zahl of Walla Walla.

Genealogical research was a passion for Donna, and she made several trips to the Genealogy Research Library in Salt Lake to uncover histories of various branches of her family. Travel was also a big interest for Donna. She enjoyed many family trips, along with her own travel to Canada, Scotland, Isle of Man, China, and more.

Activism became part of her life, and she participated in women’s groups that explored histories, furthered understanding, and boosted advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community.

Donna had a personal battle to overcome the effects of Guillian-Barre Syndrome, or GBS, and became an advocate and help for others so afflicted.

She was preceded in death by partners Carolyn Caine and Gloria Stancich, both of whom were so special in her life.

Her wishes were for no formal services. The family suggests that any remembrances be made to the GBS/CIDP Foundation.