Gretchen G. Donaldson, daughter of Alice and Halsey Donaldson, created the fund in memory of her parents. Gretchen passed away on Jan. 14, 2007, at the age of 75. She has a trust fund of her own through The Pittsburgh Foundation.
Gretchen was active in politics and well known as Assistant City Solicitor and City Magistrate for the City of Pittsburgh. Gretchen attended Chatham College (now Chatham University) as did her elder sister Peggy and mother Alice. She graduated in 1953. Gretchen went on to earn a degree from Duquesne University Law School 21 years later and worked for the firm McCann Garland Ridall & Burke.
Both Gretchen and Peggy were active alumnae of the Chatham College community. In 2006, the college completed major renovations to Woodland Hall for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program (MPAS) and designated it the Donaldson Wing in their honor.
Gretchen was also a member of the Longue Vue Women's Golf Association and served as the club's historian and interclub Chairman. She was active as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a program in which volunteers independently investigate possible child abuse situations.
"She was quiet and unassuming, but a very caring individual who unlike a lot of people was an excellent listener," said Ed Wachter, a fellow Attorney at McCann Garland Ridell & Burke.
The fund supports the arts as well as education initiatives.
Type of Fund
- Unrestricted