Donnette "Donne" Pearson

Donnette (‘Donne’) Ann Gizewski Pearson passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Wind Crest Senior Living Facility on September 23, 2023, shortly after her 88^th birthday.

Donne was born in Salem, South Dakota, to Fred and Annabelle (DeHaan) Gizewski. She was the youngest of four daughters, following Goldie (Sarlette), Marcella (Howe), and Ruby Gelane (Howe). She graduated from Salem High School in 1953 as Valedictorian, with perfect attendance. She married her lifelong partner Marlyn Pearson on May 15, 1954, at Salem Lutheran Church.

Donne was a consummate professional woman, serving as a model and mentor for many other women including her two daughters.  She started her career directly out of high school at Bell Telephone when she and Marlyn moved to the nearest ‘big city’ – Minneapolis.  After working at home during her children’s early years in Sacramento and Seattle, she rejoined the workforce when the family moved to Denver. Donne worked for many years for United Banks of Colorado, rising through the ranks from PBX receptionist to Senior Vice President. She trained and supervised scores of banking professionals with diplomacy and care. Even before the internet, she would spend hours researching how to help people with workplace, health, and family concerns. She retired from United Banks/Norwest/Wells Fargo in 1987. She also served in Stephen Ministry at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Donne loved travelling and exploring Colorado outdoors with Marlyn, and spending time with family. She particularly enjoyed memorable travels to Alaska, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe, and road trips in the US. Above all, she was a loving and devoted wife and mother, a proud parent and grandparent, and a caring and mischievous great-grandma.  Each new child brought her such great joy.  Donne was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, and son Lyndon Scott.  She is survived by her husband of almost 70 years, Marlyn, daughters Tamra (Claude) and Kimberly (Randy), five grandchildren Kyle (Hannah), Erin (Matt), Jean-Marc, Alec, and Daniel, three great-grandchildren Callen, Brennen, and Rhys, and many nieces and nephews who will miss ‘Aunt Donne’.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, October 27, 2023, at 2:30pm at Our Father Lutheran Church, 6335 S Holly St, Centennial, CO 80121.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.