Donna Louise McGilp

Donna L. McGilp, age 82, of Shakopee, Minnesota passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, January 3, 2025. Born March 29, 1942, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin.
Celebration of Donna's Life will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Ave. E – Shakopee. The family will receive friends and family one hour prior to the service at McNearney- Schmidt. Reception will follow the service also at McNearney-Schmidt. Burial will then take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, meeting there by 12:45 PM, Assembly Area # 3.
Donna attended Grantsburg High School, graduating in 1960. As a young lady she was a band majorette and learned to play the accordion. She loved cats and dogs from the beginning, especially her beloved cocker spaniel, Mitzi. Her family enjoyed summers on Wood Lake in Wisconsin.
Donna met Murray on a blind date. They were married on January 4, 1964, in Grantsburg, WI., and spent their honeymoon ice fishing. Murray always said Donna was the most tolerant woman on the planet. Together they built a home and family together. Over the years, they had various small rustic cabins, but Donna particularly enjoyed spending time at a cabin on the upper St. Croix River where they made many memories. She also enjoyed several vacations in Northern Minnesota, where the highlight for her was watching all sorts of wildlife, but especially bears, as they rummaged through dumpsters.
Donna had a passion for dolls that started at an early age and continued until the day she passed. She loved her cats (Leah and Luna), she loved attending doll shows, flea markets, grilling, eBay, Barnes and Noble, and hours upon hours of shopping, of course. Donna would always welcome a good cup of lukewarm black coffee and a long chat. She loved spending time with her family. Donna was a good listener and never spoke ill of anyone. Although Donna was proud of her Irish heritage, she much preferred the extra extended version of the Midwestern goodbye.
Donna is survived by her sons, Matthew and Kevin (Juli); granddaughters, Lauren and Kenzie; and brother, Jerry (JoLouise) McNally. Preceded in death by her husband, Murray; her parents, Donald and Mildred McNally; and her brother, Michael McNally.
You may watch the livestream of Donna's celebration here: https://www.facebook.com/McnearneyFuneralHomeAndCremationServices