Andrea Donkin Gartland, 67, died peacefully at her beloved Skidaway Island home on November 29, 2016 with her husband and primary caregiver, Arthur, by her side. Her passing followed a courageous eight month battle with cancer, during which she uttered not a single complaint, but instead gave thanks constantly to the many doctors, nurses and other personnel at Memorial Hospital and its Anderson Cancer Institute (ACI) who cared for her with remarkable compassion, as well as expertise.

Andrea Ruth Donkin, “Andy” to her family and friends, was born in Weymouth, MA on January 15, 1949. She was the first child of Alan N. Donkin and Edythe Bright Donkin, who later brought two more daughters, Meredyth and Carol, and a son, Alan Jr., into the world. Andy’s early life was spent by the sea in Scituate, MA where family, sailing, Girl Scouts and schooling were the central themes. She graduated from Scituate High School in 1966 and earned a B.A. from Skidmore College in 1970.

In 1967 while both were still undergrads, Andrea met Arthur J. Gartland Jr. who eight years later, a bit to Andrea’s consternation, but in his defense following five years away on active duty in the Marine Corps and two more at Harvard Business School while still flying in the Marines, became her husband.  They were married on June 6, 1975 in Scituate, immediately moved to New York City so Arthur might begin his career in finance, and ultimately enjoyed over 41 years together, living in New York City for seven years, suburban New Jersey for 13 years, and Savannah, by far the best stop, for the last 21. For the first 18 of those years, Andrea frequently was a “Work Widow” as Arthur commuted to NYC to make a living unless he was on the road elsewhere, which frequently meant overseas. So Andrea had to fend for herself much of the time in making new friends (many) and running the household (very well). A succession of beloved, rescue kitties helped keep her company.

Andy was born with a sweet, sunny disposition that she maintained throughout her life to the very end. She also was extremely brave.  After just two years of marriage, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which left her blind in one eye for the rest of her life, sapped her stamina and compromised sensation and coordination on the left side of her body. Nevertheless she persevered and most who met her never guessed she had MS unless they were so informed.

Not long after learning she had MS, Andrea was diagnosed with severe endometriosis, which ultimately required two major surgeries and prevented her from bearing children, among her greatest desires.  But after some teary nights, Andy picked herself up again and focused her love on her six nieces and nephews, becoming their “Super Aunt”, who never missed a birthday card or Christmas present. She also channeled her energy into volunteer work often involving children that are sick or otherwise disadvantaged.  In such connection Andrea served as past president of “The 100”, a women’s organization in Savannah that since its inception has raised in excess of $3 million for what is now Willett Children’s Hospital. She also knitted literally hundreds of little caps included in “Baby Bundles” given to new mothers at Memorial Hospital.

Andrea was predeceased by her parents Alan and Edythe Donkin, loving in-laws Arthur J. and Katherine B. Gartland, and younger sister Meredyth D. Breed who died in July 2016 at age 64 from a rare blood disorder. She is survived by her husband Arthur, brother Alan and wife Christine Donkin of Stowe, MA, sister Carol Lareau and husband Mark of Mattapoisett, MA, brother-in-law Darrell Breed of Sterling, VA, brothers-in-law Jude (Jeanne) and Richard (John Fox) Gartland of Morris Township, NJ and Los Angeles, CA, respectively, as well as “Super Nephews and Nieces” Rebecca Breed Pepper (Matthew), Frederick Breed (Sarah), both of Virginia, Brittany Lareau and Joshua Costa both of Mattapoisett, Andrew Fiore-Gartland (Brittany) of Seattle, WA and Matthew (Rajshri) Gartland, MD of Boston, MA.

Andrea’s husband wishes to publicly thank the following persons for the exceptional care provided her during, as well as prior to, Andrea’s final disease: Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson for their generosity in helping establish ACI, an incredible asset for the greater Savannah community; Lester E. Robertson, MD; Michael D. Hasselle, MD; Christopher K. Senkowski, MD; Charles W. Duckworth, MD, Robert R. Remler, MD, Victor Rosenfeld, MD; E. Daniel Biggerstaff, MD; Markesh K. Manocha, MD; Suzanne Bryan, RN; Erika McElroy, PA; Lisa Click – Assistant to Dr. Robertson; and RNs Vanessa, Yanni and Jean who are the motive force within ACI’s chemotherapy unit.

In accordance with her wishes, Andrea’s body has been cremated and no memorial service will be held. Friends who wish to honor her memory may make donations in Andrea’s name to Memorial Health Foundation, PO Box 23089, Savannah, GA 31403.