Doree Gumaer, the young woman who died in an accident as she was crossing a street with friends in downtown Astoria July 6, was in a crosswalk. The accident was with a car driven by a man who has been charged with drunken driving

Pedestrians always have the right of way when in a crosswalk.

Doree was my grand niece. She had the bravest, gentlest and kindest nature of anyone I have ever known.

Not only have Doree’s family and friends suffered an incalculable loss, the loss of Doree extends out into the community to all the people Doree was helping, and to all those who would have benefited from her compassionate care in the future.

Doree’s beautiful life was snuffed out in an instant, leaving inconsolable, all who knew her.

BARBARA JURGENS

Kirkland, Wash.