Gigi Dianne Gillies-Donahue

Gigi Dianne Gillies-Donahue, 63, of Altamonte Springs, FL, went peacefully home to Jesus on August 11, 2024, after an eleven-month battle with cancer.

She was born on December 3, 1960 in Winchester, MA to Robert Edwin Gillies and Nola Sue (Wright) Gillies. She lived in Wilmington, MA until a1966 move to Orlando, FL where she entered 1st grade. After another quick move in Dec 1966 to Winter Park, FL, the house in Eastbrook became her childhood home.

She attended South Seminole Elem in Casselberry through 5th grade, Jackson Heights Middle School in Oviedo for 6th grade, and Oviedo Jr Sr High for 7th and 8th grades. Gigi attended Lake Howell High School for her Freshman through Senior years. She was a Hawkette and a Spanish Club member in 9th grade. She participated in Drill Team for her Sophomore through Senior years. She enjoyed the band trip to Europe and trips to many band competitions. Gigi had many friends there.

After graduation in June 1978, Gigi attended Seminole Community College where she obtained an Associate Degree in Interior Design.

Gigi was employed in Maitland at Thomas Ruff Business Furniture for many years, and at a few more local Interior Design firms before starting her own Interior Consultant business in the 1990's. In the 2000's she was employed in the Mortgage closing business. In more recent years she was employed at Kirkland's. The flexible hours allowed her to be more involved in her son's school activities. For 13+ years, she enjoyed working there doing interior displays and decor arrangements. She loved her job there, her co-workers, and the special friendships she made there.

Gigi is survived by, and was a very devoted wife to her husband of nearly thirty years, Robert "Bobby" Donahue, and she was a very devoted Mom to her loving son, Logan Donahue. They were her world for the second half of her life. She loved all the band activities that Logan was involved in throughout his school years, and so proud of all of his many talents and accomplishments.

Gigi loved to travel, and NC held a special place in her heart. She loved the Fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas time the best during the year, and loved to decorate. Gigi loved music and loved to dance. In her younger days she was an active softball player and volleyball player locally, on teams with her co-workers or with friends and family.

Gigi loved life, was funny, loving, kind, thoughtful, and generous. She supported children in an orphanage in Central America and Dominican Republic. She was an animal lover and supported the Humane Society and local animal rescues. Gigi was loved by everyone who knew her. She was also a very special daughter, sister, aunt, and great aunt as well, and is missed dearly.

Gigi is preceded in death by her Dad, Robert E. "Bob" Gillies; grandparents: Thomas L."Tom" and Marie H. (Prior) Gillies, and Nolan D. and Edna G. (Antony) Wright; father-in-law William "Bill" Donahue; and brother-in-law, John Donahue.

Gigi is survived by her Mom, Nola Sue Gillies Jenkins, Denver, NC; her sisters, Gail (Keith) Walsh, Toledo, OH, and Sandy (Holly) Kopp-Gillies, Denver, NC; nephew Ryan (Katie) Pappas, Deland, FL; great nephews and nieces: Brennen and Aislyn Pappas, and their Mom, Beth Ryan Vibbert, all of Clinton, MT; Jaxon and Adelyn Pappas, Deland, FL, as well as Gigi's loving Mother-in-law, Mary Donahue, Orlando, FL, in-law siblings: Charles Donahue, and Diann Donahue, and many Donahue nieces and nephews.

Gigi is also survived by several very special people: her treasured life-long childhood friend Joanne Patterson Jenkins and her family, Beaufort, SC, her very dear high school friend Wendy Leist Bridegroom, who also officiate Gigi and Bobby's wedding and their vow renewal, and Gigi's dearest and beloved friend of many years, Barbara Fisher, Deland, FL.

The Degusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, Maitland, FL was entrusted for her final care. For those who do not know, Gigi's Mom is also terminally ill, therefore, a Celebration of Life for Gigi will be delayed and possibly held sometime later in 2025/2026.

In memory of Gigi, please consider a donation in Gigi's name to the American Cancer Society or a local Dog/Cat Rescue of your choice.