Donna Dealey, 59, of Freeland, died Feb. 26, 2003, at Whidbey General Hospital.

She was born Dec. 4, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, to Kenneth Donald and Josephine Trigg Dealey.

According to her family, her greatest strength was her unwavering tenacity in the face of adversity. Her strong will and dedication to her family lives on through the lives of the people who knew and loved her. It was this strength that helped keep her alive as she battled the illness that eventually took her life.

She was a giving tree. She dedicated her life to her children. Her ability to love and nurture every human for their innate kindness uplifted all who knew her. The work she did in the garden paralleled her actions in the world. She propagated many species of plants, many of which thrive in her garden. She would take cuttings of dying trees and plants and nurture them back to health. She had open arms and an open house to anyone and everyone; to be befriended by her was to be a part of her family. Her home was a safe haven where children, family and friends came to be nurtured and loved.

She enjoyed spending time around the garden, watching movies, playing Scrabble, reading and was the happiest while doing those activities with her children. Her sheet cake, chocolate pie, brownies, banana pudding and cinnamon toast will be greatly missed. Her legacy lives on through her children and the many people whose lives she touched.

She is survived by a brother, Trigg Dealey; a sister, Josie; her ex-husband, Dr. Ray Thomason; children Chance, Kenneth, Christian, Patrick, Elizabeth and Hillary; and a grandchild, Isabel.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Augustine’s-in-the Woods Episcopal Church, 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland.

The family suggests planting a tree or shrub in memory of Donna.