Donna Kilner Gray, of Glendale, died peacefully at home on May 25 (she told the family, “don’t hover”). She was born in Bethesda, Md., to Vivian and John Kilner in 1948. Her father’s naval career required the family to move often. As a result, Donna spent much of her early life moving between Hawaii; Malta; Washington, D.C.; Brunswick, Maine; Patuxent River, Md.; and Buenos Aires, Argentina—a storied upbringing that she loved sharing with others.
Donna’s family returned to the United States in 1963 and settled in Stockbridge. She was a graduate of Miss Hall’s School and the University of Vermont, and studied at the University of Madrid in Spain. Her love of language and literature inspired a fulfilling teaching career beginning in the early 1970s at Monument Mountain Regional High School. Affectionately known as Señora Gray to her students, Donna taught, tutored, and mentored at Monument Mountain until her retirement in 2005. Even after retirement, she continued to share her love of Spanish through tutoring and volunteer medical translating.
Donna is survived by her husband of 50 years, Jonathan Gray of Glendale; her daughter Abby Baske and her husband Adam of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; her son Jonathan Gray and his wife Kate of Victor, Idaho; and her four beloved grandchildren, Phenna, Wynne, Vaughn, and Jonny. She is also survived by her brother John S. Kilner III of Great Barrington, her sister Jacquiline Kilner of Housatonic, and a large extended family.
Remembering Donna’s life would not be complete without mention of her love of standard poodles. She was never without one or two dogs by her side, whether at home in Glendale, the cottage in Maine, or at the family camp at Black Pond in Vermont. They brought her comfort and comedic relief whenever she needed it most.
A celebration of Donna’s life will take place Saturday June 7, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Main Street in Stockbridge. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Lee Food Pantry at 25 Park St., Lee, MA. Remembrances may be sent to her family through the website of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home.
