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Donna SELAND Obituary
June 24, 1941 - February 4, 2013
With sad hearts we announce the passing of our mother, friend, and mentor, Donna Seland. Born in Red Deer in 1941, Donna grew up in numerous towns throughout Alberta as her parents, Ken and Connie Wolstenholme, took many transfers to accommodate her father's career as a banker. Donna and her mother lived alone in Edmonton for a brief period when her father served in England in WWII. Following that Donna attended school in Lethbridge, Calgary, St. Paul, and Ponoka. Donna spent her childhood summers at camp in Waterton and she was active in gymnastics, dancing, and basketball. She studied nursing at the University of Alberta where she later practiced in the hospital cardiac ward. After studying management at the University of Calgary, she combined this with her healthcare skills as an occupational health nurse at Amoco/BP. She told many fond stories of "her boys" in the field, referring to the numerous oil patch workers whose health she was responsible for monitoring – to all of you who knew her in this way, know how much you enriched Donna's life. Among others, she served on the board of the Calgary Family Service Bureau and, more recently, the Calgary Seniors' Resource Society. Donna became very passionate about correcting the numerous challenges and injustices seniors in Calgary face daily, especially those with lower incomes. Donna's children, Karen, Scott, and Mark, and her grandchildren Desirae and Alex, will miss her dearly. We will always remember the real lessons she taught us about properly navigating life. We love you mom. We wish to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to the skilled and compassionate staff of ICU A and Unit 47 at Foothill Medical Centre. A celebration of Donna's life will be held at the Hall of Vision in the Cochrane RancheHouse, 101 RancheHouse Road, Cochrane, AB on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. If desired, friends are encouraged to donate to the Calgary Seniors' Resource Society, 3639 - 26 Street N.E., Calgary, AB T1Y 5E1 (Phone 403-266-6200, www.calgaryseniors.org).
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32 Entries
Dawne Grant
June 27, 2013
Missing our dear friend on her birthday, June 24, and always. Gone far too soon. Dawne and Don Grant
Jean Carruthers
April 15, 2013
I am shocked to hear of Donna's passing. She was my beautiful cousin, always a smile and gentle words,wonderful nurse and Mother.Always reminded me of Shirley Temple when she was small so full of joy and a delight and so loved by my Aunt Connie and Uncle Ken.I had no idea she had been ill and sad to say our busy lives had taken different paths and not seen her for some time. My deepest sympathies to her family. Rest in Peace Dear Cousin.
Margaret Savage
February 19, 2013
I just recently heard about your mother's passing in our Class Newsletter, september 1962.
I had the opportunity to visit with your mother at our Class Reunion in Septmember.she was in excellent spirits and enjoying herself so much. Please accept my condolences.
Eileen Mos
February 14, 2013
I was very sorry to hear of Donna's recent passing. I am a nursing classmate and have many fond memories of her both in the years spent in residence and the many reunions we've enjoyed - our 50th celebration was Sept 2012. She was very proud of you all.
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February 13, 2013
Mark,Scott and Karen,
we just heard the news about Donna and would like to send you our sympathies. We haven't seen Donna in years but have many memories of the early days in Calgary and many great dinner parties. Donna over the years seems to have made a very meaningful and respected career for herself, and I am sure will be greatly missed by everyone.
at and Bob Lee
Calgary
Christi Anderson
February 9, 2013
Dear Karen,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mom.
I have such fond memories of Donna growing up with you as teenagers. How many pancakes did we make and eat in one weekend? The dance recitals, swim meets and sleepovers - she was always there with a smile and encouragement.
I know she was so proud of you.
I wish I could be there to give you a hug, but know that you are in my thoughts.
I know we lost track of each other as life got in the way, but if you want to talk, I'm here. (778)899-3538.
My deepest sympathy to you my friend.
Love,
Christi
February 9, 2013
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. I know your Mom from many years ago and loved her sense of humor. We shared the love we had for " our field boys" although we were from different oil/gas companies. She will certainly be missed but her legacy will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Georgette Osweiler, Calgary
February 9, 2013
To Karen, Scott and Mark
It is with great sadness we hear of Donna's pasing. She was one of the smartest women we have ever known.
You may not know but Peter Niel and Donna stood up for us at our wedding and they spent our honeymoon with us on our boat visiting the San Juan and Gulf Islands, playing cards and laughing.
Your mother was a remarkable women who loved her job, but was very proud and loved all of you more.
Please accept our condolences, wish we could be there for the celebration.
Jim and Donna Smith
Surprise, AZ/Wizard Lake. AB
February 9, 2013
Dear Mark and family,
My daughter-in-law, Josée Wallace, sent me the obit of your Momn's passing. In reading it I realized that she lived a very full life and so in missing her be proyud of all her accomplishments and what she wss to all of you.
My sincere sympathy.
Dale Wallace
February 8, 2013
Mark and family:
Our deepest heartfelt thoughts to you and your family. Your mother was a special lady and will be missed dearly.
Al & Brenda Bittle and family
Ed Greenberg
February 8, 2013
Mark and family. So sorry for your loss. Mavis and I wanted to express our heartfelt sympathies. At this difficult time, take comfort in knowing your mom's legacy lives on in all of you.
Werner Becker
February 7, 2013
Dear Mark, Scott, and Karen. I was so sad to hear of Donna's passing. Although I have not seen her for some years, I still recall her hospitality on my first visit to Calgary in 1977 when I was considering moving here to work. I really appreciated it.
February 7, 2013
February 7 2013
Mark,Scott & Karen,
My Condolences to Donna's Family.
I have worked with Donna for many years through Amoco/BP times,at many Alberta locations and in Windsor, Ontario. She was a great "GO TO" person for professional advise and laughter. Donna was a very caring person and my sympathies go out to her family. Many fond memories.
Lyle Yerama
Summer Village of Kapasiwin, Alberta.
Roy Wullich
February 7, 2013
Mark and Family, I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this most difficult time. I would be remiss if I didn't thank you once again for including me as part of your family at Christmas a few years ago. I also have great memories of her riding with us on my train car. May the memories of all the joyful times overtake those of sadness in your time of loss. My sincere sympathies and condolences to everyone in your family.
Louise Breadner
February 7, 2013
I too worked with your Mom in Occupational Health at BP and witnessed countless times the mutual affection and respect between Donna and the employees. She especially loved her visits to the field locations and worked long hours in order to accommodate ALL the employees on various shifts.
She always spoke very fondly and proudly of the 3 of you and your families. My sincere condolences.
Shane Johns
February 7, 2013
My condolences to the Seland family.
Former Amoco BP Employee KIrby Lake
February 7, 2013
I always looked forward to Donna's visits to the Empress NGL plant. She was the one person I could have a frank, no-holds-barred discussion about any health problems I might have been having at the time. I still have her contact info. in my contacts. Just have to change the address now. She will be missed.
E.T. Stewart
Empress NGL Plant
Dee & Rod Conklin
February 7, 2013
Mark, Scott and Karen,
You all know how much your Mom meant to Rod and I, but over these last few weeks we now know how much the 3 of you, and your families, mean to us. We will miss your Mom more than we can say but she will live on in you three and we now have a much larger extended family. Our thoughts are forever with you.
February 7, 2013
I also had the privilege of working with Donna in arranging her appointments to see all 100+ employees at Sarnia. She worked long hours to accommodate everyone and at the end of the week, we always looked forward to dinner out with the gals in the office. She was a wonderful, caring person and my sympathies go out to her family.
Mary James, Amoco/BP Sarnia
Shannon Lonson
February 7, 2013
So sorry to hear about Donna. She took such good care of us Empress NGL folks. She once encouraged me to "use my friends" to help me through a rough patch. I hope you family members can do the same.
Teresa & Glen Joki
February 7, 2013
Deepest Sympathy to you Scott, Denise, Des and Alex. A bug hug to all of you at this trying time.
Dariel Bateman
February 6, 2013
Your mum was always so able to climb into other people's shoes and be helpful in quiet ways. I always think of her especially at Christmas as I use her make-ahead mashed potatoes - a lifesaver at a time in my life when there was just too much to get accomplished. Her Caesar Salad recipe also remains a family favourite - silly memories I expect, but nevertheless small examples of her thoughtful generosity. And was she proud of all of you! Here's to your coming family stories full of laughter and remembrances.
Paul Cahill
February 6, 2013
I was priviledged to work with Donna for many years. She was a true medical professional - her primary concern was for her 'boys' (and girls). It was obvious how much she enjoyed her work and how much she cared. She'll be missed.
Yvonne Fiolleau
February 6, 2013
Dear Scott, Denise, Desirae and Alex
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.Hugs and our deepest condolences to all of your family.
Paul & Yvonne
Louise Hughes
February 6, 2013
Mark, Scott & Karen
Thinking of you Kids as I read this, and sending some HUGS! We will think of you on Saturday, and know how tough that day will be! Louise & Ralph Hughes
February 6, 2013
A great friend and neighbour that raised 3 fine children.
Ralph Hughes
Susanne McRa
February 6, 2013
I'm glad I called Donna a few weeks ago to talk over 'old' times at the Amoco / BP Plants. We loved her for coming out and giving us helpful and health-ful attention. She's like a Mum to us all. We were supposed to go for a daytrip to Canmore soon.
Christine Gray
February 6, 2013
It was an honour and privilege to work with Donna during my tenure with CSRS. She was forthright about her thoughts 100% of the time and always worked from a position of integrity. I so very deeply appreciated her support and friendship.
Keith Briggeman
February 6, 2013
I was one of "her boys" and proud to be so. Donna was a special person and will be truly missed by us all.
James Campbell
February 6, 2013
Donna and I worked together over the last few years and we always found a way to laugh heartily at and with one another. I will sorely miss her. She was a kind and generous person and she was special to me,
My sincere condolences to her family and many friends.
Ken Fryatt
February 6, 2013
My condolences to Donna's family. I met Donna while working with her at BP in the health department. I will always remember her caring and compassionate approach to everyone around her, including her "boys" in the field. Thanks Donna
Doug and Gina Temple
February 6, 2013
Doug and I send all of our love to all of you. Donna was a special person to Doug and than me, we will miss her. Thinking of you at this time.
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