Donna Elaine Gallacher

Donna was born in Waco, Texas to J.T. and Mary Dunson, where she graduated Waco High School in 1962 and started working as a secretary. Convinced to go on a blind date, she met a man who told her he could teach her to ballroom dance. Of course she had been taking dance her whole life. Somehow, she agreed to a second date and together they danced the world over. J and Donna were married 50 years November 18, 2016. Being a US Army family, they moved all over the United States and Europe, meeting many friends and colleagues they lovingly spoke of frequently. They were never short of life experiences and amazing stories to tell. Donna and J eventually settled in Arlington, Texas where they have enjoyed their retirement, friends, neighbors and grandkids the last 30 years. They have two children, Keith Gallacher (wife Gretchen, grandchildren: Alyssa and Cameron), and Lisa Gallacher Newsome (husband David, grandchildren: Ryan and Reagan).

Donna is also survived by her mother, Mary Dunson, age 93, brother, Larry Dunson both in Baytown, TX and sister, Debbie Bernhard in Seattle, WA. There are many loved cousins, nieces, and nephews she spoke of often, and an amazing “extended family” of good people that Donna helped support, counsel and love with a heart that was bigger than the great state of Texas where she was born. For those who did not know her, it is impossible to describe the spirit of selfless service with which God endowed her. Donna’s personal joy came from sharing her love and giving to others.

Donna preferred to be remembered as the strong, healthy and beautiful person she was and requested a private funeral. She would be beside herself that attention was now focused on her, and would be carefully redirecting that energy to others. The family will have a celebration of her life on Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 2-5 pm at the Gallacher home in Arlington. In lieu of flowers please pray for those in true need and for world peace –the two gifts she asked for every year.