Jean Dick Donaldson was born in Glasgow on 23 May 1901 . Her father, Richard Donaldson, was a joiner. Jean attended the University of Glasgow from 1918-1922 , taking classes in French and Geography in her first year; English (Ordinary) and History (Ordinary) in her second; English (Junior Honours) and British History (Junior Honours) in her third, and English (Senior Honours) in her fourth and final year. She graduated MA in November 1922 and subsequently became a teacher in Glasgow. Jean died in Glasgow on 20 March 1977 .
From the guide to the Papers of Jean Dick Donaldson, 1901-1977, arts graduate, University of Glasgow, Scotland, 1916-1922, (Glasgow University Archive Services)