Donna EGGERTSON

Donna Margaret Eggertson April 26, 1930-August 18, 2016

Donna died in Ottawa on August 18, with daughter Laura holding her hand. She was 86. She leaves bereft Laura, son, Gunnar (Cathy), daughter-in-law, Alyson Barnett-Cowan, and grandchildren, Michael (Ryan), Catherine (Hyun Suk), Francesca, Miranda, Amber, Stephanie, Thor and Derek, and 7 great-grandchildren. Donna also leaves sister, Betty Turner, 7 nieces and nephews, and many friends from Clarkson (Mississauga). Husband Erlingur Eggertson and son Bruce Barnett-Cowan predeceased her. Married at 19 to Frank Cowan, Donna was widowed 5 years later when son Bruce was 2. With her parents' help, Donna set about finding a job and raising Bruce. She met and married her soul mate Erlingur, an Icelandic-Canadian lawyer, in Winnipeg in 1960. The growing family moved to Mississauga in 1965 for Erling's job with National Trust. Always a Stonewall, MB girl at heart, Donna was an avid reader and gardener, an excellent cook and a wonderful hostess, who loved her job at the Lorne Park Library (including enforcing those return dates). Donna's beloved Erlingur died in 1995 and she focused on family, friends, volunteering at St. Paul's Anglican Church and walks in Rattray Marsh. She had advice for every occasion - and we will miss both that and her great sense of humour. To the end, Donna retained her deep interest in people and her gift of putting others first. Thanks to Dr. Flinn and nurses at Elizabeth Bruyere Hospital. In lieu of flowers, we'd welcome donations to the Adoption Council of Canada, www.adoption.ca. Service and reception Sat. Sept. 10, 2:30 p.m., St. Martin-in-the-Fields, 151 Glenlake Ave., Toronto.