Donna A Gilbert

Our hearts are heavy to say Donna A. (Bedard) Gilbert, 70, passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2023 at her home. We find peace knowing she is with the Lord, and have the promised hope of being united with her again. Donna's love and memory will forever remain with her husband, Charlie, along with their children, Melissa Salmen and her husband Jonathan, Meredith Koelling and her husband Adam, and Matthew Gilbert and his wife Erin as well as her 7 cherished grandchildren, Reagan (11), Jackson (10), Mason(9), Monroe(6), River(6mo), Charlie(3) and Ella(2). She was born in Worcester, MA on May 29, 1953, the youngest of 5 daughters born to Edward and Constance (Waitkus) Bedard. She is survived by her sisters Christine Everest, Carita Fontaine, and Constance Kelly. She was predeceased by her sister, Cynthia Bedard. Donna started her career as an operating room technician, which inspired her to further her education where she received her nursing degree at Peter Bent Brigham hospital in Boston, MA. She met her husband, Charlie Gilbert, in 1978 while working as a nurse at Peter Bent Brigham. Charlie was captivated not only by her beauty but also by her kindness and compassion for her patients. The rest is history. In 1980, they got married and a year later moved down to Norfolk, VA area for 13 years where they had their children. They later moved back up north to Palmer, MA in 1994. Donna was a soft spoken individual who was very detail oriented and intuitive with a powerful memory. She had a special gift for engaging in conversation, often complimenting and edifying people she met while leaving a smile on their face. Donna’s creativity provided many fond memories for her children. She always made Christmas, birthdays, and vacations extra special with beautiful decorations and activities. Donna had extensive knowledge and interest in jewelry and fashion. Her daughters have special memories of their mother curling her hair and applying lipstick in the mornings. Her humor and wit gave us plenty to laugh about. Donna will forever be in our hearts. Services will be held on Friday, July 14th at LifePoint Church, 603 Ludlow Rd in Chicopee, MA at 11am. To honor Donna’s life, take a moment to brighten someone’s day with a kind word or gesture.