"I?m Pat Schwind. I worked as a Loan Officer for Donna, from late 1996 until 2010. I?ve had a lot of jobs in my life. I was a salesman for thirty years. Nine were spent selling insurance & securities, and eighteen selling mortgage money. A few times, I desperately ?needed a break?, just to get away from the stress, clear my head, and recharge my batteries for the battles of the sales game. Those times were spent working some menial labor gig, usually construction, for many months. So I?ve had dozens of bosses/supervisors over decades. Donna was the best ?office boss? I ever had. Initially, we somehow ?got off to a rough start?; Really Rough! However, I soon came to respect her greatly, & love her as an incredibly loyal friend. I never really ?set the world on fire? as a salesman. I was usually in the ?middle of the pack?, or ?just OK?, and at least a few times, for many months straight, my production was truly pathetic. But Donna never once said, ?Pat you gonna start writing some business soon?? Or ?Pat, I?m sorry, but your numbers were so bad last quarter, if you don?t pick it up by ?.., you gotta start paying rent, or find another shop.? NEVER. More importantly, I knew she was incredibly generous to lots of individuals & good causes. Even when it hurt her personally or financially. I don?t know if they're even is an equivalent Yiddish term for a female version of a ?mensch?. If so, she surely was one, with more integrity and character than most ten ?regular? people I ever knew in my life. Especially in the realm of sales, which can be a ?cutthroat? endeavor. Donna was aggressive & worked hard, but was always fair & honest. She also had a wonderful sense of humor, and often was a ?Hoot & a Half?. She had some amazing stories, & great jokes. We met for lunch last spring, just before the mask mandates were imposed. Then, when the ?Covid Numbers? were improving somewhat this March, I was getting ready to soon call her, to see if she was ready for another lunch date. And then my wife saw her obit in the Az Republic. I am very sad I didn?t give her a call months earlier. Not that a lunch would?ve been possible, but just to talk to her one last time, & tell her how much I admired her, and what she meant to me. She touched many lives in good & great ways, and I?m proud she was my friend."
In loving memory of
Donna T. Gilbrech
November 2, 1943 - March 2, 2021
Donna T. Gilbrech (77) passed away on March 2, 2021 at Phoenix, Arizona. Donna was born November 2, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois.
In 1968 she moved to the Valley of the Sun, where she proudly raised her two daughters and was a successful real estate and mortgage broker. As an astute business woman, Donna modeled courage and independence for her daughters, always reminding them that there was no limit to what they could do or become.
Donna, a renaissance woman, was outgoing, passionate, highly intelligent, well-traveled, and the ultimate story teller. She was a long time and active member of the Park Central Toastmasters where she cultivated many close friendships. Donna cherished her friends, both new and old, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved to read, cook, entertain, travel and watch Jeopardy.
She is survived by her daughters, Jeanne Jorgensen and Melissa Morris, her sons-in-law, Jeff and Mike, her beloved grandchildren, Jessica, Cory, and Danika, and her sister, Valerie Tassone. She was predeceased by her parents, Vito and Eileen Tassone, her brother Fred Tassone, and the love of her life, Earl "the Pearl" Gilbrech.
The family is planning a Celebration of Donna's Life later in the year when we hope to be able to gather together safely in loving remembrance of a life well lived. Please consider signing up for alerts as details will be shared once the date has been selected.
Tributes
"Good thoughts and prayers go with you Mark Broadley Park Central Toastmasters Member"
"My Dearest Cousin Donna,
I am writing through my tears. It has been so long since we spoke but nothing can put distance between family.
I admired you all my life...even from afar! When I was a little girl I always wanted to be just like you! So gracious and kind!
When I would read your facebook posts I would say to myself hmm.. we must be related.!! Those posts stopped December 10th.
Valerie this must be so very hard for you and Donna\'s girls.. My love and prayers to you all.
May all Gods Angels and Saint come to meet you Donna at the gates of paradise
where you will enjoy everlasting Life in peace and comfort forever!
With Much Love , Therese Tassone Micelli"
"Donna you?ve been my friend since we were 11..I am so heartbroken that you are gone. You helped me through so much the last few years. I?m sad for your family they?ve lost a very special lady. Hoping for a hereafter so we?ll meet again. ?"
"Deepest sympathy to Gilbrech family, former classmate, had the pleasure of dining with Donna five years ago, when she visited her daughter Melissa in Portland. May she Rest In Peace. Mr&Mrs Robert A.Wojtecki The Dalles, Oregon "