First, my deepest condolences to her immediate family.
Donna Jean meant a lot to a lot of people.
I know her passing will be mourned, I know she’ll be missed by her extended family, musical and otherwise. Many of whom I count among my own friends.
I knew her for most of my adult life.
She was a dear friend to me, my wife, my children- loving, kind, encouraging, supportive.
Constant, positive, unfailingly good humored, caring and generous of spirit in every way.
I was blessed to share the stage with her, many times, I only wish it had been more. Donna was a beneficial presence both onstage and off.
When the band went long, she’d give us our space and dance offstage with my wife, laughing like teenagers, joyful.
She took us all under her wing, loving and protective in a way I know we’ll never forget or ever experience again.
The best of best friends.
Acknowledging her contributions to the Grateful Dead goes without saying, I know that’s how she’ll be remembered by most; that era, that music, that feeling.
Formative and inspirational to so many of us.
But to the extent my own personal, peripheral musical involvement with that trip is concerned, it mostly frightened and intimidated me along the way, to providing much valuable education, but still, scary. .
Donna was my emotional bridge to that scene.
Her strength, faith, support, honesty, humor, and love brought music and insight to me I would not have had the confidence to find on my own. No words can express my gratitude for that.
As important personally to me in my musical life as that had been, it was secondary to the constancy of the love, strength and friendship she displayed to my entire family for decades.
She was a truly remarkable human being, gone now to her bright glory, shining still.
In loving memory we say goodbye to our dear friend, you will always be in our hearts, best of friends.
Thank You Donna Jean, until we meet again,
Love you forever.
Kimock the Grey, Jenn, kids and grandkids
~Rest in Peace
