Donna Gifford

Jul 17, 1947 -

Aug 15, 2026

Donna Gifford, 79, of Valdez, Alaska, passed away at her home in Valdez with family by her side.

Born in Fairbanks, Alaska, to Florence and Robert Ditman, Donna was a lifelong Alaskan and longtime resident of Valdez. Donna was a fisherwoman, mother and grandmother, and a proud Alaskan.

She worked as the high school lunch lady for many years and enjoyed working with the kids. She worked a number of local jobs over the years and was a volunteer for community organizations. She was a proud member of the Pioneers of Alaska, Valdez Women's Igloo No. 2, forever listed on the membership roll. She was a longtime member of the Eagles Auxiliary Valdez and AA proud and sober.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; son, Ed with wife Mary, grandson Donovan and granddaughter Kinleigh; daughter, Theresa with husband Scott and grandson Chase; daughter, Stella with husband Brenden and grandsons Gavin and Clark; and daughter, Liz with partner Gabe and grandson Troy.

She was a lifelong member of this great big wonderful extended family that makes up Valdez.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Diana.

She is loved.