Donna Kaalaas

DONNA ANN KAALAAS PORTLAND, Ore. - Donna Ann Kaalaas, of Portland passed away peacefully on Mon-day, Aug. 6, 2007, after a lengthy illness. After the death of Allen Kaalaas, M.D., her husband of 54 years, Donna mov-ed to Terwilliger Plaza in Portland to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Her family was with her in the last days and hours of her life. Born in Fairdale, Ill., Donna attended Fairdale Elementary School and graduated from Kirkland (Ill.) High School. Donna attended Saint Anthony School of Nursing in Rockford, Ill., and upon graduation as a registered nurse, she worked at the hospital in the maternity unit. In 1953, Donna married Allen Louis Kaalaas, whom she had first met when they were 4 years old. Allen and Donna, along with their two oldest children, moved to Portland in 1961. While in Portland, Donna worked at Emanuel Hospital, where her husband completed his medical education. The family moved to Olympia, Wash., in 1965, where Donna worked in her husband's medical practice while raising their family. Donna was involved in a wide range of volunteer and service activities that included Saint Peter's Hospital Auxiliary and the Capital City Newcomers. She had a large group of friends dedicated to "the good life of lunch, friendship and the pursuit of the perfect bridge game!" In later years, Donna's volunteering continued as part of the Auxilary Sewing Circle, creating many of the items that are given to hospital patients. Donna was known as an avid cookie baker, giving plates of delicious treats away to friends and family during the Christmas holidays. The last twenty years, Donna and Allen split their time between homes in Lacey, Wash., and "the family farm" located outside Fairdale, where Donna reverted to her Midwest roots, spending time with family and friends. Donna will be deeply missed by the many people she profoundly touched over the years. We will fondly remember her smile, bubbly personality and her kind, loving heart. Donna is survived by her children, Roger (Susan) Kaalaas of Portland, JoAnn (Dean) Sittig of Lake Oswego, Richard Kaalaas of Seattle; and her grandchildren, Trygve Kaalaas, Rachel Sittig, Holly Cowan and Eric Davis. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, in the Quiram Funeral Home, 309 S. Fifth St., Kirkland, Ill., reception immediately following in the Lutheran Church Hall, 510 W. South St., Kirkland. Donations can be made to the Allen and Donna Kaalaas Memorial Scholarship Fund, benefiting Kirkland High School, by mailing to West Coast Bank, PO Box 29001, Olympia, WA 98502.