Donna I. Gaswint went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, at Life Care Center in Lewiston following a stroke. Donna was born Dec. 3, 1929, in Hotchkiss, Colo., to Joe McDaniel and Margaret Campbell McDaniel. She was the first of six children.
She attended school in Midway, Paonia and Hotchkiss, Colo., and graduated from Hotchkiss High School.
She married her childhood sweetheart, Albert D. Gaswint, Aug. 22, 1948, in Warden, Wash. Since Al was a carpenter and had to move where the construction work was, they lived in various cities in Idaho, Washington, Colorado and New Mexico, before moving to South Lake Tahoe, Calif., for 16 years, where they raised their five children.
When the children were grown they lived in Emmett, Idaho, for a short time before finally settling in Lewiston for the remainder of their lives. Mom loved to travel and see different places, always learning about the history, art and culture of the various places that she lived and visited. She often said that "travel is the best education."
Donna was an exceptional seamstress and enjoyed making things of value for others. She also enjoyed many other arts and crafts including knitting, crocheting, cake decorating, gardening, cooking and canning. She loved to read and was a lifelong learner. She gave her incredible love of books to all of her children and grandchildren, as well as many of the sewing and craft skills that she possessed.
The hallmark of her life was becoming a Christian in the early '60s. Through the grace of God she overcame many devastating difficulties and hardships, and remained a woman of faith throughout her life. She knew she was not perfect, but humbled herself when wrong and continued to strive for the faith. She was involved in a variety of churches, Aglow and The Healing Rooms. She was known to many as a second mom, a "Spiritual Mom," a godly woman and a friend.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Al, in 2002; her son, Dwight, in 1990; her mother, Margaret Campbell McDaniel; her father, Joseph McDaniel; and her stepmother, Helen McDaniel.
She is survived by her brothers, Lyle, Earl and Loren McDaniel; her sister, Colleen Randall; stepsisters Sheila Kent and Beverly Kitchin; daughter and son-in-law Peggy and Van Crow of Lewiston; her son, Lee Gaswint of Lenore; her daughter, Beverly Hobbs of Murfreesburo, Tenn.; her daughter and son-in-law, Lynda and Gus Pomeroy of Austin, Texas; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and many dear loved ones who became part of the family.
A celebration of her life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at River City Church, 707 Seventh Ave., Lewiston. Elevator and assistance provided.
Memorials may be made to The Healing Room, Lewiston Aglow, International Aglow, or the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
The family would like to thank the blessed staff at Life Care Center in Lewiston for their very thoughtful care, making her last days on Earth a joy. Your hard work and attention to detail are greatly appreciated.
Our family is blessed to call Donna our mom, grandma, nana, sister and friend. Her incredible life provided an admired role model for a family who loved her. We consider the time spent with her a gift of God and we will carry her in our hearts always. Though this life keeps us temporarily separated, we know we shall meet her again. We will always be grateful that she helped us and continues to help us become who we are through the strength of Christ. We celebrate her life as a testimony to what God can do in and through us.
