Donna passed away May 19, 2022; survived by her children, Christopher (Paulette), Andrea (Mike), David (Sandi); 6 grandchildren, Matthew (Jenn), Alex (Sierra), Hailey (Jordan), Ben, Jacob (Payton), and Kassi (Kyle); and three great-grandchildren.
Donna was born June 14, 1943 in Gull Lake Saskatchewan joining dad - Wes, mom - Mabel and big brother Bob. She took a great deal of pride in her hometown and hosted many “Gull Lake Reunion Socials”.
Donna taught in all 3 western provinces prior to moving to Campbell River in 1969. In 1972, her whole life changed when she met Bob White, a handsome “good guy” from Dove Creek. They married in 1973 and enjoyed a solid marriage with lots of respect and a whole lot of love. They raised three fine children.
Donna taught at Discovery Passage, Campbellton, Cedar Annex, Penfield and Central schools for the next 28 years. She touched the lives of many children and will be remembered for her hearty laugh, her affinity for weeping, her work with school choirs, her role as “Queen of the Bleach” in the Staff Room and her “Poetry Breaks” at school.
In retirement years, she worked several summers as a receptionist at Surfside RV Resort in Parksville.
Donna loved exploring the world, RVing, cruising, trips to Mexico, and winters in Arizona. She enjoyed everything musical including dancing, piano, choirs, musical theatre and in later years learning (sort of) the fiddle. She enjoyed the community of Knox Church in Parksville and often led Care Homes Services.
Donna loved to cook and entertain family and friends. Her gift of hospitality and fun brought joy and the blessing of many good friendships.
Here, we at Knox, simply wish to note the gift that both Bob and Donna were in the life of our faith community. There was a tangible quality of joy that both Bob and Donna radiated: an investment in life, and in other people, that was always eager to offer rich friendship and hospitality to all who came within their circle of love.
In 2021, when Foster guest-preached one Sunday here at Knox, Donna was providing the musical leadership: a role she performed throughout the 2021 summer months with great facility and deep faith. This spring, on the handful of occasions when Foster was able to visit Donna in her home: her chair was positioned so as to face a large photo of
Bob, a photo in which he beamed a smile every bit as engaging as Donna’s own smile. There was a sense in which that photo served as a beautiful reminder of the “coming home” for which Donna was preparing: with her characteristic courage and hope.
It was a privilege to have Donna as part of the Knox faith family for so many years. She will be missed!