It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Lee Gilbert of Camrose, Alberta who passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, in Innisfail, Alberta, with her beloved son Kolton by her side.

Born on November 10, 1956, in Calgary, Donna was a quiet and gentle soul who lived with humility, kindness, and deep love for those around her. She had a calm presence and a warm heart, and those who knew her appreciated her unassuming nature and quiet strength.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures — her Tim’s Dark Roast coffee, flowers, animals (she worked at the Camrose animal shelter for a time), and especially wild birds, which she loved to watch. She enjoyed astrology, loved to read, and as a devoted Blue Jays fan, she rarely missed a game and supported her team faithfully.

Throughout her working career, Donna served with the Alberta Government in Red Deer, Calgary, and Stettler — first as a data entry specialist and later as a computer systems analyst.

Donna was the proud mother of two children: her daughter Dee Anne Gilbert, born in 1976, and her son Kolton Gilbert Cheek, born in 1995, who resides in the Elnora area. Her children and grandchildren were her world, and her love for them never wavered.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Kolton Cheek, and her grandchildren, Nikkie Jordan of Medicine Hat, Alberta, George Meece and William Meece of Tennessee, United States, and Kinsley Cheek of Elnora, Alberta. She is also deeply missed by her sisters, Marilyn (Wayne) McCaig of Camrose, Alberta Carolin Petersen of Castlegar, British Columbia, and Sherri Brandsma of Calgary, Alberta. As well as her nieces and nephews, Tina Kerik, Michelle Lenton, Kris Kerik, Carrie Piotrowski, Shannon Gilbert, Jared Gilbert, Jennifer Kirbyson, Melissa Kirbyson, Sarah Kirbyson, Alexandra Rivard and Cody Brandsma, and many cousins who will all remember her fondly.

She is further missed by her former husband, Orville Cheek, her mother-in-law, Freda Cheek, and siblings-in-law: Melanie Cheek, April Irwin (Mick), Darcy Cheek, Brent Cheek (Shanna), Ann Cheek (Sandy), and Brady Cheek (Janelle). As well as many of their children and grandchildren, who were also part of Donna’s extended circle.

Donna was predeceased by her daughter, Dee Anne Gilbert (Tennessee, 2023), her father, Alvin Gilbert (1960), her mother, Gladys Petersen (2010), her stepfather, Mervin Petersen (2014), her brothers, Martin Gilbert (2009) and Tom Gilbert (2004), her close uncle, Hank (2009), and numerous aunts and uncles. She was also predeceased by her father-in-law, Bob Cheek (2013), whom she held in high regard. She missed them all every day.

Donna had many friends and extended family members she cared for deeply, and she valued
those relationships in her quiet, steady way.

She loved to travel — especially her trip to the Dominican Republic with Kolton and visits to
her daughter in Tennessee, where she had a special fondness for Nashville. A lifelong music fan,
Donna enjoyed many artists, some of her favorites were Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, The
Beatles, Steve Perry, and many more.

At Donna’s request, no formal service will be held. A Celebration of Life will take place at a
later date.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honour her memory may donate to the Canadian Cancer
Society at cancer.ca or support Mental Health initiatives at cmha.ca.

Her memory will live on in the beauty she saw in the world — and the love she gave so gently.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2025-05-14
• Location : (Innisfail) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com