Donna Reed Wickstrand

Donna “Bubbles” Reed Wickstrand of Annapolis MD passed away on April 27, 2023 at the age of 91. Donna died at her residence at Assisted Living Well in Pasadena, MD which was her home for the last three years.

Donna was born February 11h, 1932 and raised in Corbett, Oregon. She was the second daughter of Clifford and Marguerite (Pulliam) Reed. Her father was an upstanding gentle man and his career included being the Principal of Corbett Elementary School, while raising cows and catching salmon and sturgeon in the Columbia River Gorge. Donna was crowned “Strawberry Queen” while in High School. She worked at the Reynolds Aluminum factory until she went to Oregon State University to pursue a degree in Education. She married Don Wickstrand in the Chapel at Mt. Hood and began her globe-trotting adventures.

Donna loved traveling to different countries and experiencing new cultures and over a period of twenty-seven-years, she traveled with her husband and daughters, Sally (Wells), Julia (Pearce) and Heidi (Chamberlin). Tours of duty included residences in Japan, Spain, Italy and England, and stateside tours of duty in California, Virginia and Maryland. In-between, Donna traveled to Russia, Morocco, Egypt, Germany, France, Portugal, Malta, Holland, Scotland, Wales and more. Once stateside and living in Maryland, Donna worked in a bank, as a substitute teacher, and in a student assistance grant program at a community college. Her greatest satisfaction came from working at the US Naval Academy Alumni Association for over 20 years as the House Manager in Annapolis. While at the US Naval Academy Alumni House she traveled to China and Antarctica and these trips were filled with astounding experiences which she remembered with great enthusiasm.

As a member of the American Association of University Women, she lobbied on Capitol Hill for military wives to receive the pensions of their deceased spouses. This law was enacted in 1982. After her divorce in 1984, Donna demonstrated her grit and tenacity and earned her Master of Arts degree from George Washington University.

Donna had several pastimes, such as attending classical music concerts, watching movies, watching sports, keeping up with current events and keeping up with friends here, there and everywhere. As a matter of record, she single-handily has kept Hallmark Cards in business over these many years. She loved animals and had a special place in her heart for her grand dogs. She enjoyed visits from the HABIT dogs, and they quickly learned where she stashed their treats (in her walker seat) when they visited. She also loved learning. She learned best by hearing and she listened intently to the alumni when they visited the Alumni Association and was adept at reciting their name, rank, and year they graduated from the Naval Academy. She also enjoyed personal conversations in which she learned to respect and honor those who served in the Navy. Her memory was a reservoir of countless facts about people, places and things. She was an avid football fan, and supported Navy all the way. She enjoyed visits from her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. She called them her “treasures,” and when she couldn’t write or speak any longer, she supported each of them with prayer. Donna loved her three daughters and grandchildren immensely and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. People were her passion. She was generous in her acts of kindness and her actions were filled with grace.

As a retiree, Donna was an active member in her community. She enjoyed “First Night,” in Annapolis. She loved flower arranging and often brought bouquets of good cheer to others who were sad, lonely, or in need of a “pick-me-up.” Her thoughtfulness was appreciated by so many. Donna attended church at the Naval Academy and enjoyed the acoustics of the building as she listened to sermons, hymns and speakers. Donna spent her life as a mother teaching her daughters to love one another with words like, “If you can’t say something nice – say nothing”. She was a woman of faith and daily spoke with God about all manner of things which gave her peace.

Donna is survived by her three beloved daughters whom she shared with their father, Don R. Wickstrand; Sally Wells (Alan), Julia Pearce (Jim) and Heidi Chamberlin (Chris), her cherished grandchildren, Nick (who gave her the name “Bubbles” that lasted her lifetime), Holly (Justin), Marie (Grayson), Claire, Michaela, Ian and Emma, and her one and only great granddaughter, Blakely. We all loved her dearly. Her Oregon relatives’ include her sister, Susan (Stan) Benintendi and family, and several cousins who are remembered during this time of loss.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, Clifford and Marguerite, her former husband, Don Wickstrand and her siblings, Donna and Ruth Ann, her precious Aunt Evelyn (Reed) Powell and Uncle Walter Powell.

The family would like to thank Assisted Living Well Compassionate Care (ALW) in Pasadena, Maryland for providing for Donna’s well-being with competence, compassion, kindness and mercy. The staff and team became an extension of our family and we are forever grateful. Donna enjoyed watching the horses in the back of the facility. In addition, she enjoyed the lovely views from her room that allowed her to see the neighborhood dogs on walks and provided opportunities for daily window visits from Heidi and her family during COVID.

The family would also like to thank Hospice of the Chesapeake. The staff and team provided exceptional care for Donna and was an enormous support for her family. They really are angels here on earth and the comfort the team provided was extraordinary.

A special thanks to Peggy Stein, her longtime best friend, who would make cards and send to her each week, and Bonnie Booth for her visits and handcrafted crocheted items that made Mom feel special.

Sally and Julia would like to extend their deepest gratitude to their sister, Heidi, who was caregiver and advocate for Donna during the last many years of her life. Heidi allowed their Mom to live her life with love, dignity, respect and honor. We are forever grateful for the deep love and care you gave to her every day.

In lieu of flowers, Donna would encourage everyone to “Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)!” and help others who are hurting to feel love, compassion, hope and healing. She would also ask you to appreciate and enjoy God’s Word, four-legged friends, the beauty and majesty of creation, and to offer encouragement to uplift those around you.

We will be celebrating Donna’s life in the fall and encourage you to visit www.johntaylorfuneralhome.com for more details.