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Donna Irene RICHARDSON

1937 - 2023

Donna Irene RICHARDSON obituary, 1937-2023, Toronto, ON

BORN

1937

DIED

2023

Donna RICHARDSON Obituary

DONNA IRENE RICHARDSON (née Dewar) June 30, 1937 - January 31, 2023 After several recent health challenges, Donna passed away on January 31, 2023, in her eighty-sixth year. Predeceased by her beloved husband, John (1980); and her dear son, Paul (2010); Donna's greatest passion was her family. She was deeply loved and admired by her children, Kim (Gerrit), Mark, and Karen Anne; her seven treasured grandchildren, Amy (Ray), Graham, Leslie (Neil), Mara, Jennifer (Cam), Kayla (Carter) and Ben; her seven sparkling great-grandchildren, Ash, Rider, West, Bell, Iyana, Cleo, and Fitz; daughter-in-law, An; and her cherished nieces and nephews. She also leaves her partner, Bob Chilton, who brought joy to every day of their past many years with his devotion and humour. Donna had a wonderful and wide group of precious friends to whom she was devoted, and who filled her life with music, art, bridge, flowers, outdoor pursuits, travel, laughter, gin and tonics, support, and love. Her full and vibrant life included a successful career in Toronto real estate, many years of teaching English as a Second Language in Don Mills, decades of service as a chorister and volunteer at both Lawrence Park Community Church and Bethesda United Church, and so much more. She was a dog whisperer, an enthusiastic nature lover, a savvy Scrabble player, an intrepid traveller, a Blue Jays fan, an organizer of special occasions, a chocolate chip cookie-maker, generous gift-giver, reader, and lover of maple syrup, chocolate, butter tarts, and all things sweet. Anyone arriving unannounced at her door could count on a warm welcome, a big hug, and an invitation to stay for a meal – or at least a cup of tea. We are so grateful that Mom's bright light shone in our lives. A huge thank you to caregiver Cynthia Pascua, whose companionship, care, and sense of humour brought such stability and pleasure to Donna's life over the past year, and to the wonderful group of care workers who helped her through her final weeks with extraordinary kindness and compassion. While her stay at Christie Gardens was short, the support Donna and her family received from the incredible staff there was invaluable. A memorial service for Donna will be held on Friday, February 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Lawrence Park Community Church, 2180 Bayview Ave., Toronto. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donna's name to Evergreen, a special place close to her heart that works to create cities that are livable, green, and prosperous. https://evergreen.donorsupport.co/-/XDLCFKLW

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Feb. 4 to Feb. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Donna RICHARDSON

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20 Entries

Omer Quenneville

February 5, 2024

My condolences to the family and friends. Donna will be missed; she was very caring and always so considerate.

Gary Brichford

February 12, 2023

Karen and family, I am so sorry for this time of overwhelming grief for all of you. Donna seems like such a lovely soul that brought joy to those that were fortunate to have known her. Love and hugs sent your way.

Teresa & Bob Huegle

February 12, 2023

Donna was a very caring an thoughtful friend we met at Angie's with Bob. She did like butter tarts and anything sweet. She came to visit at our home and we were looking forward to this summer. We have lots of nice memories and we are reminded of her when we sit in the rocker they got for our granddaughter. Lots of love to all of the Richardson family. Visit when in Waterloo.

Teresa & Bob Huegle

February 12, 2023

To all the Richardsons: I met Donna when Bob brought her to Angie's for breakfast in Waterloo. They were so happy to have each others company and you could tell the friendship was very special. I always had visits with Bob when he came in so to be a part of their special time got to be very special for my daughter Suzanne who served them quite often.. When Suzanne had her baby girl Blakely they got her a very special rocking chair that Donna said had to be the best. She was absolutely right. We think of her every time we are in it. My husband Bob and I had them to our home last summer for a visit and she walked through our garden and was so happy to see up close all the trees. Her comment to us as we were sitting on the deck was "this is like a park". it made me think of what we had done in our 39 years not what we thought we still had to do. Time flies when were busy and she made me reflect on how we made it fly.
I know we will miss them together and as your mom, and granny she has left you with lots of wonderful memories and will be missed. Lots of love to all of your family. If you come to Waterloo please let us know. She spoke often of each of you and how good you all were to her. She was very special to our friend Bob and to all our family.

Susan Glenn

February 10, 2023

I was so sorry to hear about Donna. We were colleagues at Chestnut Park for many years and she always had a smile and kind words whenever we met. I hadn´t seen her for a couple of years due to Covid and am shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. She´s left a wonderful legacy for her family. May she rest in peace.

Single Memorial Tree

Bill Forbes and Heather Cooke

Planted Trees

Rick / Jim

February 8, 2023

Donna was our neighbour for many years on Braeside Crescent. Every social event that the neighbours had Donna was always the life of the party. We sure missed her when she moved, but will miss her even more now! Next Braeside party will be with the gang up in heaven. Love, Rick and Jim.
XO

Joyce Hamnett Pollock

February 7, 2023

Condolences to the family. I attended high school with Donna and we worked together at Easton´s as teens. I was a neighbour of Minnie and Cap Richardson, John´s parents. My grandson Doug Buchan is engaged to Kristan Coates, so Donna´s name came up in conversation with Anne Marie and Kristan´s grandfather. Joyce Hamnett Pollock.

Greer Carter

February 7, 2023

I was so fortunate to meet Donna through our mutual friends, Lyn and Hamish. In 2013 Lyn suggested a trip to South Africa, which Donna and I eagerly endorsed. We enjoyed an unforgettable time together, with many laughs and memorable moments. Donna was great fun, and I treasure the memories.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Rob and Martha Campbell

Planted Trees

Paul Pelton

February 7, 2023

Kim and Family, So sorry for your loss. Your mum was a bright light. Very friendly and positive person. Take care. Paul and family.

Caroline Boone

February 6, 2023

To all Richardsons, so sad to hear about your mom. She was a very special lady! and so incredibly special to my parents. Her infectious smile was always a welcome sight!
Unfortunately, I am not able to come to the service as I will be skiing at Devils Glen Ladies Day. Hugs to all of you.

Sarah Sparks

February 5, 2023

Oh, we have such fun and wonderful memories of your mom. Her laughter and kindness are legendary and she was such a special soul.
We´re especially grateful about how important and kind and loving she was to our dad, Doug.

Our hearts are broken for you all; you were all so well and truly loved by your biggest fan and cheerleader .
Thank you all for sharing your remarkable mom with us. I think we are all better people for the light she shone in our lives.

Zoe Cormack Jones

February 5, 2023

A lovely neighbour at 21 Dale. She used to come to my aquafit class and always enjoyed the session. Always concerned about my health before hers!

Mary and Arthur Parks

February 4, 2023

To all the Richardsons, We are very sad to hear of Donna's passing. She was a loved colleague of ours for many years at Chestnut Park Real Estate. Also she lived in the same building as we do at 21 Dale Avenue. We saw her very recently looking a bit frail just before she moved to Christie Gardens. She was a lovely, giving person and a loving person as well. So gentle. We will miss her. Deepest sympathies to you all - Donna was very special.

Kathy Cuddy

February 4, 2023

Cousin Donna was so full of life, always cheerful and positive. I have many fond memories of her on the farm, picking fruit and happy and smiling! Our last visit together was at our Buchanan Cousin's Lunch at the Beacon in September.. Donna came by Limousine!!

JoAnne and Peter

February 4, 2023

Donna was so very dear to us. She was a woman who knew how to be a true friend and was a beloved one, to so many lucky folks. This is a photo of the four of us in Stanley Park when she and Bob visited in August 2019. Her vitality, warm heart, hospitality, wisdom and resourcefulness were an inspiration. It will be a joy to donate to Evergreen in her honour. We send our deepest sympathy to her family and all her dear ones. Her loss leaves a giant hole in our hearts but it is filled with love. May choirs of angels sing you to your rest, dear Donna.

David White

February 4, 2023

To all the Richardson clan - so very sorry about this sad news. Growing up on Chelford Road, the Richardsons were such a huge part of our family, and we shared so much - Donna was central to it all. So many wonderful memories of a warm, fun, and caring person who was such a dear friend to all the Whites. Deepest sympathies to you all - Donna was very special.

Mary Ann Edmondstone

February 4, 2023

To all the Richardsons, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mom. I will remember her warm hugs and having just the right thing to say to me on more than one occasion. With heartfelt sympathy.

McGregor

February 4, 2023

We shared so much.....Our hearts go out to you Mark, Kim, Karen, and all the family. With our love Lyn and Hamish

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Memorial Events
for Donna RICHARDSON

Feb

10

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Lawrence Park Community Church

2180 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON