Donna Marie Lindsay

Nov 2, 1950 -

May 11, 2025

Donna Marie Lindsay passed away peacefully with her husband by her side in the early hours of Sunday, May 11, 2025. Exactly as she would have wished it. Born Nov. 2, 1950, to Charles and Dorothy Zimbelman, Donna was the second of five children. The family lived primarily in San Diego County, and Donna was graduated with honors from Samuel Morse High School in 1968. She then attended college at San Diego State, during which time she met the love of her life and husband of 48 years, Don Lindsay. When Don's work took him to the wide-open spaces of Alaska, Donna followed and they were married there on March 10, 1977. Though they frequently traveled to the Lower 48 to visit family and friends, Alaska proved to be their true home.

Though she worked at a number of jobs Donna graduated from UAA with a degree in journalism and found a true calling working for the Anchorage office of the Associated Press. Her years there were memorable, productive, and full of friendships.

Donna was an avid animal lover from an early age. Though unable to have children, she mothered countless cats, dogs, birds and even a tortoise. No creature went unfed, ungroomed or unloved in the Lindsay household. She developed a particular affection for Shelties, and went on – with Don—to successfully breed many award-winning show dogs.

Donna was bright and multi-talented: from knitting to beadwork, spinning yarn from dog hair, playing music, quilting, silk-screening and photography, she excelled at everything she loved enough to pursue. Hers was a frequent face at local craft fairs, selling unique items under her trademark "Puttin On The Dog." Donna was a generous soul, most especially to her several nieces and nephews –and later grandnieces and -nephews—and every summer she and Don would host one or the other of these lucky visitors. Having suffered from illness herself, she always had time to talk and offer encouragement to those who also suffered. Not least, it would be impossible to list the many "rescues" she and Don took in until good homes could be found for pets both young and elderly.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Dorothy; her Lindsay in-laws, Chuck and Ivy; sisters, Sarah and Louise; and many beloved animal companions. She is survived by husband, Don; sister, Laura; brother, Gordon; sister-in-law, Susan; nieces and nephews; and special friends, Lynn, Lisa and Nan. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.