Donna Lynn Wilcox

After fighting and surviving health issues for decades, she finally knew her family would be all right and let go into the arms of God.

Donna was born July 16, 1953, to Ruth and Robert Svilar. Growing up on Wygant Ave. in North Portland, she was the brightest and most stubborn in her family, including older sister Linda and younger brother Wayne. Donna loved horses, and at 16 years old was able to get “Amber”, her pride and joy. She attended Blessed Sacrament School and graduated from Jefferson High School. She worked as a Data Programs Analyst for Crown Zellerbach in Portland, Tektronix in Portland, and Fred Meyer’s corporate office in Portland.

She married Dennis Weis with whom she had her son Brandon. Brandon gave her so much joy, especially with his smile, yet always called her on her stubbornness! Even though her marriage ended, she remained friends with Dennis and his partner. When Brandon married his beautiful wife Melissa, Donna was unable to attend because of her health and was part of the ceremony from afar. She absolutely fell in love with their kids: Keenan, Jude, & Luke. And despite living in Minnesota, they were all part of the process making her into a most awesome and loving grandma.

When her daughter Nicole was born in her marriage to Dennis Wilcox, it was immediately clear that she inherited Donna’s spirit, tenacity, and determination. She was one of Nicole’s biggest fans in all her sports, all the time. When Nicole married her husband John, it was one of Donna’s most joyful days. She greatly appreciated the care and love that John gave Nicole. Becoming Grandma also to Jake & Stella made her heart fill with love more than she could’ve ever imagined. She was happy to be able to live close to Nicole and her family. Nicole was her rock, up until she took her very last breath.

She truly lived for her kids and grandkids. There wasn’t a conversation that went by where she would not rave about their latest escapades, silly story, or her newest piece of “art” from one of the grandkids. Despite being restricted in socializing due to her health, one could not help being surprised how knowledgeable she was in current affairs, latest fads, and FOOD, (thanks to Bobby Flay). Her distinct tastes and her love for food could make one go crazy trying to attain them all! And when you brought her precisely what she wanted, her sense of gratitude shined from within and warmed your heart. She was quite close to her brother Wayne, whose constant love and support helped her to be the strong fighter she was until the end.

Donna’s last months were spent in the Hopewell House in Portland, Oregon. The magnificent and caring staff truly helped to make a remarkable change in her. She was able to see and feel so much love and friendship that was blinded to her because of her health battles. Even the Chef on staff turned into an admiring friend. The deepest possible gratitude goes to the Hopewell House and everyone involved; they helped to make Donna’s transition to heaven a truly beautiful experience that will never be forgotten by her family.

Donna is survived by her son Brandon (Melissa) Weis and daughter Nicole (John) Strong. She is also survived by sister Linda Smith and brother Wayne (Margaret) Svilar. Also her loving grandchildren: Keenan, Jude, Luke, Jake, and Stella. Her cat Jellybean is missing her and will be watching over her grandkids, diligently.

Donna will be interned at Skyline Memorial Gardens, next to her mother Ruth. A private memorial will be held by the family at a later date. For those wanting to donate to the memory of Donna, donations to Hopewell House, Portland, Oregon are greatly encouraged.