Donna Noble Obituary

NEW HAVEN - Donna Mary French Noble, 75, of New Haven, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011, at home, surrounded by her loving family, following a long courageous battle with Alzheimer's.

She was born on Sept. 29, 1936, in Bristol, Vt., daughter of Clarence and Mildred (Varney) French. Donna graduated from Bristol High School in 1954.

She met and later married the love of her life, Allen L. Noble, in 1954. In 1964, Donna found her dream house. Together, Donna and Allen made this house a home where everyone has always been welcome. Through the years, they have shared a great love of camping, racing, blue-grass and country music.

Their deep, rich and committed love produced four children whom she loved dearly: Allen C. Noble and wife Diane, Pamela Whitten and husband Andrew, Tamera Davis and her husband Neal, all of Milton, and Debra Wilkinson and husband Alan of New Haven.

She leaves 10 beloved grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She also leaves two sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law.

Donna was a lover, wife and friend to Allen for 60 years. They have been each other's best friend and one true love. She loved to cook and bake for her family, and loved her church and church family. Through the years, Donna's most important job was in her home raising her children, as well as Town Clerk of New Haven, Secretary of Special Education, Secretary for Superintendent of Schools, and as an Avon representative in Addison County area for many years.

Besides her parents, Donna is predeceased by her beloved sister Leona Robinson; mother-in-law Laura Gladys Noble; aunt Hattie Cram; also a half-brother Arthur Tubbs.

The family wishes to recognize and thank Dr. Diana Barnard for her years of devoted care and friendship. Thank you to the nurses and caregivers of Addison County Home Health and Hospice. Their support has allowed the family to keep a loving wife and mother in the home she loved. Special thanks to Cindy, Alex, Pat, Mary, and Jess for their tender care of Donna. Also, thanks to Tim for his guidance and counseling.

Friends may call at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol, on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, from 7 to 8 p.m. Donna's life will be celebrated at United Church of Lincoln on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, at 11 a.m. with special friends, the Rev. and Mrs. Roger Woodwell as well as the Rev. David Wood, officiating.

Interment will be at Maple Cemetery, followed by a gathering for family and friends at Burnham Hall, both in Lincoln.

Donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Vermont Chapter, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Williston, VT 05495, and Addison County Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.