Donna Jean (Hager) Gilbert, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on January 10, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Russell and Hellen Hager.

Donna was raised in Denver, Colorado, on South Canosa Court,and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1965. She was married on June 2, 1966, in Idaho, and later welcomed her son, Jim. Donna spent much of her career working at King Soopers, where she became known for her friendly smile, caring heart, and dedication to serving others before retiring.

Donna had a lifelong appreciation for God's creation and found joy in the beauty of nature. She loved biology, animals, birds, and the outdoors. Birdwatching became one of her favorite pastimes, especially with her brother, Fred. She faithfully followed eagle families through online nest cameras and would often call or text family members to make sure they were watching the latest activity. She was a proud supporter of the Denver Zoo. Sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for wildlife created a special bond with her beloved granddaughter, Marissa, whose own love of biology, animals, and nature reflected Donna's passions and inspired a shared sense of joy.

Christmas was one of Donna's favorite times of the year. She delighted in finding thoughtful and practical gifts for family, carefully wrapping each present in beautiful paper with elegant bows. Everyone could count on receiving something uniquely "Donna"—perhaps a new calendar for the coming year or a clever kitchen gadget that would quickly become a favorite. The care she put into every gift reflected the love she had for her family and the joy she found in making others happy.

Donna was compassionate, independent, and never afraid to speak her mind. Her honesty, strength, and willingness to help others earned the respect and friendship of many throughout her life.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was a source of comfort and hope for Donna. Her family finds peace in knowing that her earthly struggles have ended and that she is now healed and forever in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, inspiring feelings of reassurance and spiritual connection.

Above all else, Donna loved her family. She was incredibly proud of her son, Jim Gilbert, and the life he built through education, military service, and his career as a Certified Public Accountant and business owner. She cherished her daughter-in-law, Denise Gilbert, and found immeasurable joy in her granddaughter, Marissa Gilbert. In her final hours, surrounded by those she loved most, one of Donna's last heartfelt words was telling Marissa, "I love you"—a memory her family will forever treasure.

Donna is survived by her son, Jim Gilbert, and his wife, Denise Gilbert; her beloved granddaughter, Marissa Gilbert; her siblings, Fred Hager, Val Schockley, and Trudy St. John; her nieces and nephews, Jeff Hager, Barbara Laurson, Ken Schockley, Cameron St. John, and Russell St. John; along with many extended family members, dear friends, and neighbors whose lives were enriched by her kindness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Hellen Hager, and brother Steve Hager.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Heflebower Funeral & Cremation Services. Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Arvada Cemetery. Please join family and friends for food, fellowship, sharing stories and memories of Donna's wonderful life at Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant. 

The family invites everyone to honor Donna's memory by spending time outdoors, watching birds, supporting wildlife, or showing kindness—small acts that reflect her spirit of compassion and love.