: About Me

Donna Marie Gray is a New Englander by birth, born and raised in Weymouth, MA. After graduating high school, she attended college in Boston, MA. She transplanted to Virginia Beach, VA in the late 70s. Donna is married with children and grandchildren and has been retired from the business world for several years.

Donna is the author of recently published BACK TO THE BASICS (A "How-To" Book on Raising Baby with Common Sense). She has expanded her writing to include children's stories. She draws on her experience as a mother and a grandmother which has provided an endless supply of anecdotes..

In addition, Donna has written poetry all of her life and has been published in anthologies and won several awards. She is a member of several on-line writer's groups and has had various articles published on-line along with her poetry and humorous anecodotes.

Donna is a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Laureate Beta Nu Chapter, and has recently become a Red Hatter with The Virginia Beach Darlin' Divas. She also enjoys family gatherings, swimming and painting in acrylics. Her love of horses runs a close second to her love of writing.

Donna was invited to participate in the Williamsburg "Christmas in Virginia 2007". She contributed two holiday poems, and an article on living in Virginia Beach.

MORE ABOUT ME:
Beginning January 29, 2008 I will be contributing as a Helium Site Steward writing for the Children's Activities channel. I look forward, under the direction of Ann Marie Dwyer, to this wonderful working/learning experience.

I have also had a poem accepted for publication in a book being published for the Red Hat Society commemorating the 10th Birthday of the Red Hat Society. The poem is entitled "Stages In Life" and the book is entitled SASSY, CLASSY, AND STILL SPARKLING and is scheduled for release in spring 2008.

Most recent accomplishment was entering the poetry contest in the Torch of Beta Sigma Phi international magazine August 2008 issue and winning first prize.

My passion is ...

I'm passionate about writing

I know too much about ...

Things I don't need to know about

My parents always told me ...

"Remember who you are." Always wondered what they meant.

My childhood ambition ...

To be a movie star. Realistically, simply to be successful!

My favorite memory ...

Way too many to pick one.

Why I write ...

I write because I'm driven to write.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

I'm listening to college basketball

My first job ...

Working in a civil engineering firm

My best moment ...

Recovering from cancer surgery, publication of my book, BACK TO THE BASICS... Raising Baby With Common Sense, and having a terrific family.

My inspiration ...

Mostly my family. Life in general.

Relationships & Family > Grief & Loss How to plan a memorial service

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How to Plan A Memorial Service: Having just recently held a memorial service for my husband, I feel it is important to pass along all the information that might be needed to others. It is also important to realize that, no matter how well planned, there are things that will be forgotten until the last minute when it is too late to include. All of his family and friends were invited. Since my husband was elderly, many of his friends had already predeceased him. However, he did maintain a very close relationship with their kin and, of course they were included. His memorial service was held ...

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• Creative Writing Bronze
• Helium Charter Member