Donna Wilson

Donna Gayle Wilson (nee Warner) was born on October 20, 1941 to Alice and Harold “Bud” Warner in Fort Collins, Colorado. Donna departed the world on March 31, 2023 from Denver, Colorado to join her husband Douglas Wilson, Sr. who passed away on August 28, 2011. Donna, known to her family as “Mana”, is survived by her loving brother Jim (Marilyn) Warner; three children Douglas (Barb) Wilson Jr., Deb (Jeff) Palmer, and Donald (Traci) Wilson; eight grandchildren Bailey (Kevin) Quick, Ashley (Stephen) Berard, Shelbey Palmer, Rachel (Patrick) Wilson, Meagan (Shane) Pouliot, Jackson Palmer, Collin Wilson, and Tanner Wilson; two great-grandchildren (Hayden Quick and Henrietta Mae Warner Berard); niece Molly (Trevor) Mosher; and great-niece and nephew (Grace Mosher and Gannon Mosher).

Donna attended the University of Colorado-Boulder for her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison for her Doctor of Philosophy. Donna spent most of her young adulthood pursuing higher education and raising her three children with Doug Sr. in Boulder, Colorado. She began an assistant professorship in mass communications at the University of Denver in 1978. Donna was passionate about teaching and mentoring, and she taught and mentored hundreds of students while serving at DU. One of her most enjoyable teaching experiences was an annual trip to New York City where she traveled with students for a course entitled “Business Behind the Media”. The class visited the UN, CNN, Tavern on the Green, and other iconic educational and historical landmarks. In September of 1985, Donna resigned her academic appointment to serve as Director of the Women’s College at the University of Denver to provide leadership for the newly acquired Colorado Women’s College. This program provided special opportunities for diverse working women to enroll in classes offered on nights and weekends in order to better support their efforts towards completion of their college degrees.

Donna embraced a variety of other important leadership roles at the University of Denver. She served as Director of the School of Communication and Director of the Magness Institute at the Cable Center. From 1999-2004, Donna served as the Director of Special Programs where she provided leadership for the planning, scheduling, and hosting of a dynamic speakers program to benefit the direct University community, as well as the larger Metropolitan Denver community.

During Donna’s tenure as Director of Special Programs, she was instrumental in launching two projects very special to her: the Bridges to the Future program and the Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) Program. Donna launched the Bridgers to the Future program following 9/11 to host DU students, faculty, and staff, as well as guests from the larger Denver community, to attend uplifting programs and speakers on the DU campus. This program was well attended and highly successful. She also started the University of Denver VIP Program between DU and Denver inner city high schools. Under Donna’s leadership, this program assisted and encouraged qualified high school students to further their education. Chancellor Daniel Ritchie was very involved with both of these special projects and worked closely with Donna to ensure their success. Donna’s rich legacy of leadership and contributions at the University of Denver lives on and continues to provide valuable educational opportunities for everyone who participates.

Following her retirement from the University of Denver in 2004, Donna served as Executive Director of the Cherokee Ranch and Castle in Sedalia, Colorado where she restored conservation efforts and established a rigorous performing arts infrastructure.

Donna was an avid sports fan and loved watching Doug Jr. play basketball. The tradition continued with her grandchildren, as she was a frequent attendee at basketball tournaments, ultimate frisbee and soccer games, and swim meets. She and Doug Sr. were long-standing season ticket holders for the Colorado Rockies and often visited the Pepsi Center to watch Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche games. Living in downtown Denver, Donna often met players who lived nearby, becoming fast friends. She loved March Madness and attended the Women’s Final Four every year with a group of her dear girlfriends.

Donna felt most at home when wearing a turtleneck and red lipstick surrounded by abstract paintings originating from around the world and the sculptures lovingly crafted by Doug Sr. She always ensured those around her had ample access to an unlimited supply of M&Ms, pretzels, and ice cream. Her voice, much like her handwriting, was distinctly “Donna”- sweet yet measured, and would evoke a sense of comfort and quiet strength. She loved to travel, test the status quo, experience all that the world had to offer, and - most importantly- to spend time with her family. She lived fully and inspired those around her to do so as well.

Donna was beloved by everyone with whom her path crossed. She was kind, good-hearted, thoughtful, sweet, and believed fervently in the golden rule of “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.” She served as a role model for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, representing the power of a strong will, sharp mind, and decent soul. She leaves us with a world made better for having her in it, and her memory will live on much beyond her 81 years on Earth. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Donna’s legacy through support of the VIP Program at DU.

Please share memories of Donna and condolences with her family by signing the Tribute Wall above.