Donna Mausert McGavic

Donna Jean Mausert McGavic (Jeannie), 66, lost her courageous battle with breast cancer on August 8, 2019. Though her physical body is gone, her spirit lives on in all who have known her and been touched by her.

Known as Donna to most in the professional world, and Jeannie to family and long-time friends, she always had a warm smile for everyone she encountered. Her kindness and generosity were her most outstanding qualities. She made these qualities a part of her everyday interactions with each person she came in contact with and made them appear effortless. She had a way of brightening even a stranger’s day with her kindness and her smile. She never took herself too seriously and she was quick to remind people around her of the same. She was a great listener and entertaining storyteller. She was a true and loyal friend to many, including her husband and daughters.

She loved traveling, especially to the mountains, and taking in the local scenery and flavor, cuisine, and shops. She often collected mementos from her trips, including rocks, antique glass, and artwork by local artists. She was an avid reader who loved a good law novel or true crime story. She had a passion for music, everything from classic rock to jazz, and she passed this love onto her children. She could often be found sitting in her car in the driveway after a long day of work, listening and dancing to the end of a song she enjoyed. She loved long, meaningful conversations with her daughters. Spending time and making memories with her grandchildren absolutely lit her up in the most joyous way.

A graduate of Terry Parker High School, class of 1970, she pursued a career as a secretary. Having worked as a legal secretary and assistant for the majority of her career, she was well known and loved by many in the legal profession. She was passionate about and found great satisfaction in her work. She touched the lives of many colleagues and clients in her many years serving in the law firms Smith Hulsey and Busey, Brennan Manna and Diamond, and most recently, Gunster.

She recently celebrated 46 years of marriage to the love of her life, Ernie. He fondly shared the memories of their sweet love story during a family dinner in celebration of the life they built together. Nearly love at first sight for Ernie, he pursued and courted her, knowing early on that he wanted to marry her. Though her practical side kept her grounded in the early stages of their relationship, she quickly fell in love with his charm and drive. They married on July 14, 1973 and had a love that endured the test of time. They exemplified strength, commitment, and compromise throughout their relationship, and instilled these values about marriage into their daughters.

Donna is survived by her husband, Ernie; her daughters, Kelly (Tom), Jennifer, and Lindsay (Daniel); her chosen daughter, Patti; her grandchildren, Kendall, Preston, Hannah, Ethan, Annie, Emily, and Harvey; her siblings, Don (Angie) and Bev (Chuck). She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Edith; and her siblings, Lynn and Doug.

A celebration of her life is planned for Monday, August 26, 2019 at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception from 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. Attendance by family, friends, and colleagues is welcomed. Donna would want everyone to wear comfortable, casual clothing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Jacksonville Humane Society in memory of Donna.