Dona June Albright

Dona June Albright, born March 25, 1931 to Donald Arthur and June Bernice Nelson of Seattle, WA, died Friday January 22, 2021 at age 89. Dona was born and raised in Seattle. She fell in love with Jack Albright when they were just teenagers living on the same block on NE 57th St in the Roosevelt neighborhood. Graduates of Roosevelt High School, they married on March 14, 1952 and raised their family of five children; Steven, Gary, Susan, Mark, and Janice in Lake City, then Wallingford, where they lived until her beloved Jack's (John C. Albright, Jr) death in January 1988. Wherever Dona lived she easily made friends and had lasting meaningful relationships.

Jack and Dona owned A&B Auto Parts on 45th Street, providing the individual service of a small neighborhood business. Jack sold auto parts and helped many customers with advice in auto care. Dona was the bookkeeper, and for many years drove the auto parts delivery pickup truck, taking time to visit where she was picking up from or delivering to, naturally having a friendly connection with others. She knew all the best routes and alleyways to efficiently get around, before the advent of map apps.

With a devotion and focus on family, regular gatherings included family picnics, summers at Mutiny Bay on Whidbey Island, camping trips in the Cascades over Chinook Pass, annual June celebrations of the many summer birthdays, Sunday drives, card & board games. She was always there for us, sharing love so generously, the everyday moments, with loving guidance and friendship, such fun to be with. We will miss her smile, her laugh, her hug.

Memorable travel included trips with Gary and Roberta to the Capitol in Washington, D.C., the Statue of Liberty, Twin Towers and Empire State Building in New York City, Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm in California, Disneyworld, Busch Gardens and Kennedy Space Center in Florida. With Susan, Matt, and Alex, Dona enjoyed an Alaskan cruise with breathtaking scenery, visiting Juneau, Skagway, the Hubbard Glacier, and Ketchikan. She went with Steve and Amy to Sol Duc Resort on the Olympic Peninsula, where she relaxed in the Mineral Hot Springs and pools. She was happy to be on-the-go, close to home enjoying the beauty of the Northwest or afar and seemed to always bring the sunshine along with her.

Dona was an avid gardener, growing healthy plants, beautiful flowers, tomatoes, and other vegetables. We loved her delicious baked goods, rhubarb pie, lemon meringue pie, cream puffs, Christmas coffee cake and more. Over the years she generously helped care for others, including her mother prior to her move to assisted living. She was a true friend and blessing to all.

Dona resided most recently at St. Anne Nursing Home in Seattle, and two years prior at Eden Villa adult family home after she herself needed care. Dona had been an independent, strong woman, willing and able to handle all life's responsibilities since Jack's death. She was a long-time resident of Cedar Park Lake City apartments where she had many close friends, enjoying Birthday lunches out, games, and just watching out for each other. There she also found love again, enjoying the company of Dick Hosier for four years until his passing.

Dona is survived by son Steven (Amy), grandchildren Sarah (Corey Campion), Darren (Tiffany), Ryan (Amanda), great grandchildren Cody, Kyah, Tate, and Riley. Daughter Susan (Steven Blank), grandchildren Matthew and Alexander. Son Mark (Jayne), grandchildren Laura (Alex DeNoma), Anna, and John. Daughter Janice (Tom Alvis), grandchildren Cameron and Natalie. Son Gary preceded her in death in 2019 (Roberta Overstreet, daughters Kim (Jim Hicks, Hannah, and Abby) and Trina (Jeff Stone)). She is also survived by her younger brother Art Nelson (Gloria), nephew Darryl and niece Michelle (Claudia Trott), as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. We will all miss her very much.

With sadness and breaking hearts, we say goodbye for now. Heaven has another angel to watch over us. May God bless Dona, wrap her in His loving arms, and bring peace and comfort to us all. Rest in Peace.

Dona will be laid to rest in the Mausoleum at Acacia Memorial Park, Lake Forest Park, WA alongside her husband Jack, on Friday, February 26th, what would have been his 92nd Birthday. Other loved ones there are Ida & John C. Albright Sr, Karen Albright Gibson, Ruth Albright Thomas & Don Thomas.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.