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BORN
1946
DIED
2024
Donna MCDOWELL Obituary
Born in Moose Jaw she was a member of the Johnstone Dairies clan. She attended Ross Public School, Central Collegiate, and STI in Moose Jaw. While attending STI she met the love of her life Ron from Regina. Upon graduation she then moved to Regina and worked for Sask Power.
Ron and Donna were married in 1967, and they began their family journey together in Regina.
Ron, Donna, with 2 daughters moved to Victoria in 1975. They immediately fell in love with the new surroundings. Donna worked mainly as a bookkeeper. They established themselves whole heartily in the community and developed many lifelong friends in Victoria.
Donna is survived by her spouse of 56 years Ron, daughters Christine; Suzanne (Nick), grandsons Jason and Lane, brother Ron (Jen), niece Leigh (Simon), nephew Ron (Katy) of Vancouver, sister Doreen (Wayne), nephew Kyle and niece Kendra of Regina.
Donna was known for her continual laughter and her immediate friendship to anyone she met. She loved curling. It wasn't so much Donna's appreciation of the competitive nature of curling, it was all about the friendship, socializing and promotion of the game.
Frequent telephone discussions between the 2 sisters were lengthy and loud. They were filled with love and laughter and telephones were not a necessity as they could be clearly heard across Western Canada. Rumour has it the volume of laughter could often set off landslides. When the phone rang the husbands knew it was time to take the dog for a walk as the world would not be interrupting these two.
Donna was the family welcome committee, soccer cheerleader, Rider Fan, social planner, Victoria tour guide, Hawaii vacation coordinator, and the life of the party with her friends and family.
She will always be remembered by her love of
white wine (but not that fancy stuff), 20 questions, as a favorite Auntie, hamburger hash, salad maker, mince meat tarts, lemon meringue pie, fish and chips, a sly strategist of the card game 99, love of the sun and that a shower can almost ease or cure anything.
"MOM", or "D", as she was affectionally known by her daughters and grandkids were Donna's greatest pride and love. Donna's eyes would sparkle should any of them enter the room.
Her relationship with her daughters could best be summed up as being best friends. Son in law Nick was her favorite son in law, although Donna's only son in law. Those very special grandsons Jason and Lane were warmly greeted by Donna as "Hi handsome!" Jason the warm-hearted grandson and Lane the grandson with the dry sense of humour are friends to everyone. Personality traits that have been passed down from "D" no doubt!
She will be truly missed by all those who were lucky to have known her.
"No Rain, No Rainbows"
Donna wanted a party of friends and family. Final respects for Donna in a come and go,
on Saturday July 6, 2024, between 2:00pm and 4:30pm at Colwood Community Hall 2225 Sooke Road in Victoria B.C
Memories and Condolences
for Donna MCDOWELL
16 Entries
Penny McLaughlin
July 2, 2024
Condolences to Ron and family Ron Johnstone and family, and Doreen and familyDonna was my first cousin. She was always such a funny lady. My mom and dad had Donna babysit my 2 younger siblings while they went on a trip. Donna had her full with us, lol. Loved getting her Christmas letter. It was absolutely hilarious and looked forward to getting one every year. When we had the Urwin family reunions the Johnstone clan always seemed to outdo all the other families, lol and of course we're hilarious to boot.
I lost contact for quite a few years but 2 years ago got together in Victoria and then again last year. I am so glad that we got to do that. Always will be remembered but not forgotten. RIP Donna. PENNY, cousin
Don and Penny McLaughlin, Mandy and Brianna and families
Elda McDowell
June 28, 2024
To Ron, Christine, Suzanne, Nick and Grandsons Jason & Lane.
I am thinking of you today as you celebrate the life of Donna, who was a special gal who shed light, laughter, and love over everyone she came in contact with. What a lovely legacy to leave.
With my love,
Aunt Elda
Ron /Carol Watson
June 28, 2024
Giggly Donna was such a friendly gal. We remember her spirit fondly . Sending special hugs to all her family .
Ron and Carol Watson
Audrey Deters
June 28, 2024
I know Donna from Regina and early times at Saskpower. I got to visit with her a few times when she came to Regina. I always looked forward to it. Very sad to hear about her passing. So sorry for your loss.
Audrey And Larry Deters.
Dennis Ritchie
March 23, 2024
My sincere condolences to Ron and family. I've lost touch over the years but always remember her laugh and bubbly personality.
Joanne Knoles
February 15, 2024
So many fun, happy memories. Hugs to all the family. Joanne
Marilyn Kraeker
February 12, 2024
Donna McDowell was an amazing wife, mother and friend! She had the best personality and happy demeanour that filled a room the instant she entered for a visit. As a friend, she was fun and full of laughter and love. She loved to curl and I joined her and Cheryle and many other women who had signed up to learn how to curl at the local recreation centre. From then on, life was full - lots of curling - lots of women who had a great spot for their children while they were curling (or learning how to!) What fun - we travelled to Saskatchewan for the Brier - up to Duncan for the Bonspiels and into Victoria for curling weekends - what fun it was and how healthy it was - such wonderful friendships. I miss her and Cheryle - what a beautiful friendship they and their husbands had and it was again fun to be with them and listen to their Saskatchewan stories. All the girls got together and travelled to Saskatchewan for the Brier and that was amazing - we were greeted at our guest home by a garage with a full band and loads of music, laughter and more fun - and we pretty much wore ourselves out travelling back and forth to the curling rinks and our guest homes (which were absolutely lovely). I miss you, Donna - everyone you touched will miss you and will remember your wonderful friendship, your hilarious conversations and laughter and just being in your company. You and Ron are wonderful parents and had two of the most fabulous daughters, who I might add had the best senses of humour (just like their folks) - full of laughter. I miss you - and I will never forget you and your funny, kind, wonderful personality. Bringing smiles and laughter to friends seemed to be your role in life and you did it so well. I love you and miss you and will always remember the wonderful times we had and the joy that being in your company was so invigorating and warm. Love you forever and will always remember our good times. Marilyn Kraeker -Victoria.
Ann Sheldon-Dyck
February 12, 2024
Ron, Christine and Suzanne, Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of Donna. She was a lovely lady and always a pleasure to bump into and have a chat with.
Allan and Helena McDowell
February 10, 2024
Rampant memories of you fill the minds of so many of us right now. An entertainment welcome mat, in big bold letters, was Donna McDowell for her funniness, her laughter and her inquisitive mind. Saying that, no words adequately describes the person I'm trying to say you were. And a "Saturday Night Live" entertainer might be close but I think a little over board. Nevertheless you were "Mrs. Entertainment" to be sure. A gratitude saying thank you doesn´t seem adequate either. Nevertheless, a million times Helena and I thank you; as well as my brother Ron and family.... for everything, all things. It´s simply been a "blast" knowing Donna McDowell! And the endless river of kindness, joy and love forever remains in our hearts. RIP
Dean Caviness
February 10, 2024
Sending Love to Ron and all the family. Donna will be truly missed, she was a wonderful person and always warmed you up with a smile and a giggle!
Heartfelt thoughts and memories with love from Dean Caviness,Donna, and Dovea,and of course Nanii Caviness
Josie Gelling
February 10, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family. Donna lit up the room with her smile and laughter and made everyone in the room smile. She will be so missed
- Josie (daughter of her cousin Sharon)
Cynthia Haines Hague
February 10, 2024
Ron and family I am sorry for your loss. From a former school mate from Regina
Ken and Bev
February 10, 2024
We have known Ron and Donna since our Regina days together. We did not see them very often since we all moved to the Island (regrettably - despite our "we have to get together" promises over time). Our memories of Donna are beautifully captured in the words offered by her family in this obituary, especially her infectious laughter, sense of humor, and enjoyment of life and family. What a legacy she leaves. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ron and family.
Darlene and Dunc Malcolm
February 10, 2024
Dear Ron, Christine and Suzanne, Dar and I are so very sorry to learn of Donna's passing. Like so many of those who knew her, we just want to reach out and give you a hug. We came to know Donna through our membership in the Juan de Fuca Curling Club, where she, Ron and Cheryl and Doug Watson were always the 'team to beat', but rarely were. When it came to organizing club events, Donna's (and Ron's) boundless energy was always key in their success. We'll miss her laugh, her smile, her outer shortness, but inner bigness. Donna was - and will always be - a lovely person, a cornerstone in the lives of so many and the focus of many, many warm thoughts and memories. Much love to you all,
Sharry and Keith Payne
February 10, 2024
We will always remember her beautiful smile and sense of humour. She embraced everyone and everyone embraced her. She will be missed by everyone whose life she touched. Our sincere condolences to the family. Sharry and Keith Payne
Sharry payne
February 10, 2024
We will always remember her beautiful smile and wonderful sense of humour. She embraced everyone and everyone embraced her. She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Sending our sincere condolences to the family.
Keith and Sharry Payne
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