Donnalee Gimbrone

Gimbrone, Donnalee (Smith)
GLENVILLE - Donnalee (Smith) Gimbrone saw a peaceful end to a long journey on Tuesday morning, April 22, 2025, at home, with her loving husband. She is now resting, after fighting a 25+ year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was 79.
Donnalee was a 1963 graduate from Scotia Glenville High School. She left after high school, getting an undergraduate degree from Alfred State University, working for a period of time in D.C. Ultimately, she returned to the Capital District to attend graduate school at SUNY Albany. She started teaching at Shenendehowa in 1970, and enjoyed her entire career there, retiring in 2000. She has been a lifelong resident of Scotia Glenville, and has been in her home since 1976.
Donnalee met the love of her life, Christopher, in 1970. They started dating in 1973, were married in 1977, and enjoyed nearly 48 years of marriage, and over half a century together in love. Donnalee and Christopher were best friends, and completed their family in 1981, with the addition of their daughter, Shannon Nicole.
Having a love and passion for teaching, she was well-loved by students and colleagues alike. In the 1990's, she created an elective course called Irish Culture and Literature. Of all of her teaching successes, this was probably the one she was most proud of. The class was always fully enrolled… and it wasn't because people loved Irish Cult/Lit. It was because they loved her: she was an engaged, inspirational, and dynamic teacher, who loved her students and loved her job.
If being a mother was her greatest joy, being a grandmother was the most wonderful cherry on top. Becoming a step-grandma fulfilled her in ways she had never expected. Then in 2017, when baby, Ryan, was born, her life became in service to loving him. Her days consisted of a consistent routine of being with family and loving the baby. They shared a special relationship of unconditional love, acceptance and laughter that only they understood.
As if in a cruel irony, a woman who spent over 30 years shaping the minds of our children and future leaders was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease nearly 25 years ago. She handled the diagnosis and related changes in very "her" fashion… often poking fun at herself, using her sense of humor and lovely disposition to laugh it off. But as the changes became more substantial, and coping got harder, Donnalee was surrounded by love that enveloped her in safety and security. It is this love that carried her through the hardest parts of her journey.
Donnalee was predeceased by her loving parents, Leon Richard Smith Sr. and Jayne Countermine Smith; and her eldest brother, Leon Richard Smith Jr. "Dick."
Survivors include her loving and devoted husband, Christopher Joseph Gimbrone, who cared for her warmly and selflessly throughout her journey; her cherished only daughter, Shannon Schallert (Mike McCormack); her three step-grandchildren, Benjamin, Jesse and Jacob Schallert; and her pride and joy, her grandson, Ryan Schallert. She is also survived by her younger brother, Darryl Smith (Deborah); and her brother and sisters-in-law, Carolyn Gimbrone (Bob Bowsza) and Carl Gimbrone Sr. (Marcia); along with cousins, nieces and nephews.
It is undeniable that the task of supporting someone to stay in their home through their journey is a difficult one. Donnalee was adamant that she remain in her home that she's been in for years. In creating a team to make Donnalee's wishes come true, a new family was born. The family would like to offer sincerest thanks and a lifetime of gratitude to Kimberly McNellen, Kim Richards and Terri Clark. Thank you for making Donnalee's toughest journey one filled with love and laughter. The family would also like to thank the Community Hospice Program, and the staff who devote their lives in service to others.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Community Hospice in Donnalee's name.
Please join us for a remembrance of Donnalee's life on Monday, April 28, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville. There will be a brief ceremony at 6:00 p.m., and then all are invited to a Celebration of Life gathering at the Scotia Elks Club, 176 Sacandaga Rd., Scotia, directly following the ceremony. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com