Dona (DeFreese) Alvick passed away in Vancouver, WA, on June 8, 2024, due to complications following a stroke. She was 89 years old.

Born Oct. 6, 1934, to Donald and Helme DeFreese in North Bend, OR she grew up on the Oregon coast. She graduated from Marylhurst University in 1956 with a degree in commercial art.

Dona married Roy "Bud" Alvick in 1956 and they settled in Vancouver, WA, where they raised their five children.

Dona was a stay-at-home mother and Girl Scout leader. She worked as a teacher's aide at St. Joseph Catholic School until her children were raised and then went back to college, receiving her teaching certificate from Portland State University. She spent many years as a substitute teacher in Vancouver, WA.

Dona was a member of the Vancouver Yacht Club (until her husband's health made boating difficult) and a parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Dona was a painter, only putting away her art supplies when arthritis made holding a brush too difficult. She was also an avid reader and New York Times crossword puzzle aficionado.

In the last couple years, Dona spent a lot of time in her garden. After each health setback, all she wanted to do was get back to walking her dog and puttering in her garden.

Dona was preceded in her death by her husband, Bud. She is survived by her children, Kathy, Bob, Mark, Michael, and Kristin; her grandchildren, Sarah, Rachael, Jacob, Sam, Abbie, and Olivia; and by her sister, Susan Guinn.

A graveside service will be held at Parkhill Cemetery, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 11 a.m.