Donna Mae (Shaw) Hamilton

Donna Mae (Shaw) Hamilton, passed away suddenly on Monday, Sept. 22, 2014, at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee. Donna was born in Coulee Dam, Wash., on March 20, 1944 and raised by her parents Amos and Mary Shaw in Belvedere on the same property she was living at the time of her death. Donna graduated from Coulee Dam High School in 1962. Throughout her childhood Donna was active in 4-H. It was during 4-H summer camp in 1958 at Lost Lake that she first met Roy Hamilton. They began dating a few years later and finally were married on June 13, 1964, in Coulee Dam. Donna attended Washington State University and received her Master's Degree in English in May of 1968.

Donna started and completed her professional career as a social worker for the State of Oregon, beginning with the Children's Services Division in John Day, Ore. In 1974 she and Roy moved to Grant's Pass where she continued with this division until 1983 at which time they moved to LaGrande, Ore., where she began working in the Senior and Disabled Services Division until she retired in 1999.

Upon their retirement Donna and Roy moved to their new home back on the land she had grown up on to open and manage Shaw's Fruit and Produce. Donna loved working with the public and was an ambassador for the local community as she would lovingly and enthusiastically greet new visitors, and old visitors alike.

Donna's passions included literature, nature, family and community. Donna participated in several civic organizations including Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, PEO and American Association of University Women.

Donna's life work revolved around advocating for those that could not advocate for themselves. From her career as a social worker working with children that needed a safe family to paving the way for improved access to city sidewalks for the physically disabled in La Grande to initiating a movement to create a handicapped accessible fishing pier at Steam Boat Rock State Park to supporting a charity whose goal is to eliminate polio worldwide. Donna's life sets an example to all of us to have concern for others and get involved to help those that cannot help themselves.

Donna, our beloved wife, sister, aunt, friend is survived by her husband of 50 years, Roy, at their home in Belvedere, her brothers, Harley Shaw (Donna) and David Shaw, sister, Doretta Shaw Timentwa, nieces, a nephew, and extended families.

Cremation has taken place. A private family inurnment will occur at Spring Canyon Cemetery.

Thank you to the staff of CMC for your expert care of Donna and Roy during the unexpected passing of our loved one.

Donna, a Bulbar Polio Survivor would have loved any donations to Rotary's Polio Plus Campaign. Donations can be sent to GCD Rotary, Polio Plus, PO Box 367, Grand Coulee, WA 99133.

Please take the opportunity to visit Donna's on-line register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee is honored to serve Donna's family.