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Donna Maureen CHOVANEC
Donna Maureen CHOVANEC
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Donna CHOVANEC Obituary
With profound sadness the family of Donna Chovanec announces her passing on March 4, 2015 at the age of 58 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Through it all, Donna demonstrated an amazing determination, strength and will to live. She is loved dearly and will be greatly missed.
Donna was born and studied in Edmonton, Alberta. She received her Masters of Education degree in 1994 and completed her PhD in 2004. Her research focused on education and learning for social change. She belonged to, and supported, many related organizations. She served as Board Chair of the Learning Centre Literacy Association and is a co-founder of the Centre for Community Organizing and Popular Education.
Donna is survived by one son and three daughters, Alejandra, Carolina, Esteban and Amalia; four grandchildren; mother, Minnie Chovanec; sister, Carol Chovanec; brother, Robert Chovanec and nephew, Ben Huckell. Predeceased by father, Joseph; grandparents, Mike and Mary Gordulic.
Prayers Wednesday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. at Park Memorial Chapel, 9709 – 111 Avenue.
Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, March 12 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Clare Roman Catholic Church, 6310 – 118 Avenue with Reverend Bob Kasun CSB officiating. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Learning Centre Literacy Association, #218, 3210 – 118 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5W 4W1.
To send condolences, visit www.parkmemorial.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
31 Entries
Xaviera Moyah
April 27, 2021
Donna wasn't family to me but she was very close to family. She was close to me , she was like an aunt to me and she was like a mom to my brother Anthony . Losing her was very hard on me ,never mind my family but I cant imagine how it was on Amalia . Donna was a special person to many of us but I will always know she is watching all of us above , cause that is where she is . Donna was a great baby sitter for me . she always baby sat for me almost every weekend . She had a loving heart , and God needed her loving heart . I am just glad I know she is in a safe place and I can hopefully she her again some day .
Janet Thomson
July 1, 2015
Dear Amalia, It is with immense sadness that I've heard about the loss of your mom, Donna. My heart breaks for you and your family especially knowing what a wonderful person that she was but may the brightest memories fill your days! If you're ever in the neighbourhood, please stop by. Hugs, Janet, Sean, Ian and Ginger
June 1, 2015
My condolences to the family and friends of of our colleague, Dr. Donna M. Chovanec.
Jean Walrond, Edmonton, Alberta
Eva A. Bogdan
May 12, 2015
Dr. Chovanec led one of the sessions for the Next Up Leadership Program on transformative learning and popular education. I was so inspired by her session and also chatting with her afterwards that I pursued a PhD incorporating social learning into my studies. Her passion for learning and social justice will continue to live through those she inspired. Eva Bogdan, Edmonton, Alberta
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Susie, Jenny and Donna at CASAE conference 2013
Susan Brigham
March 25, 2015
To all of Donna's family, my deepest sympathy on the loss of a wonderful woman. Donna was a dear friend. Will always remember her laugh, her practical advice on all manner of topics, her friendship and fun times at conferences. She had such enthusiasm for life and hopes for a more socially just society. We will all miss her.
Cynthia Bale
March 18, 2015
I was fortunate enough to work with Donna at The Learning Centre. She was brilliant and generous, and this world is poorer for her passing. Wishing her family all the peace and solace they can find at such a hard time.
Karen Barnes
March 14, 2015
I so loved seeing the photos of Donna. Always smiling and that is absolutely what I remember - either smiling or very seriously debating! Everyone who knew her will miss her so very much. She was an inspiration to us all.
March 14, 2015
Amalia a group of us at AADAC helped look after you when you were very little and your dear Mom was undergoing her first round of treatments. Your Mother loved you so very much. May you always find strength remembering that. Your Mom was a dear person, hard working and with a beautiful smile. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Stay strong as she would have wanted. Grace whitehouse
Marilyn Assheton-Smith
March 12, 2015
Donna's enthusiasm for life, friends, family, and work was always a joy to see and participate in. I am sorry to see her leave us so early.
March 12, 2015
I was so lucky to know Donna. My deep sympathy to everyone she left behind. Donna will be greatly missed. Thinking of you Amalia-my heart goes out to you. OOOO's
Judy Wallace
Colleen Knechtel
March 12, 2015
It is with deep sadness that I am thinking of you this morning Donna. Thank you for your inspiration and strength.
Heather Seehagel
March 11, 2015
My condolences to Esteban, Amalia, Carolina and the rest of the family. I always enjoyed Donna when she came to visit. She was a strong woman with such a kind heart. My thoughts are with you.
Vicki Gudelj
March 11, 2015
Deepest sympathies to Amalia and family for your great loss. We wish you peace. Vicki and Mateo Gudelj
Gay Derk
March 10, 2015
Our sympathies and prayers to all of your family! We were all blessed to know Donna. She carried special kind of energy and spirit with her that she always spread around! She will be missed by all! The Derk Family
March 10, 2015
It is with great sadness that I heard Donna had passed away. I had not seen her for many years, but she has a special place in my heart. She was my first friend as a child and my best friend as we traveled together through our school years. We shared our secrets, hopes and dreams, victories and disappointments. We celebrated many birthdays together and laughed and cried together. I remember special breakfast crepes Minnie would occasionally make for us on a Saturday morning, and learned from her that warm milk on cereal is a good thing. Donna had an infectious smile and laugh and was an optimist. She was a good friend and I will treasure many memories of her and all she added to my life. Farewell, my friend. I will love you always.
Holly Ehnes-Auger
Donna (Oct 18, 2013)
Z'Anne Harvey-Jansen
March 10, 2015
To Donna's family,
I had the joy of working with Donna in AADAC Research for 8 years, and we shared an office and many research projects together working side by side. We have continued to hang out as friends a couple of times each year. Our last day together was 3 hours in late January, 2015 where we sat side by side working on things on her laptop. She was as driven to life as ever, even with the impact cancer was having on her body. I am missing her already and I am so proud of her vision for women, the area of her life that most strongly impacted me. And on the lighter side, I will remember the fun of stuffing soft fruit candies in our mouths that day too...we ate those almost as fast as we typed! Love you lots Donna and always will.
Your friend Z'Anne and her family Brad, Luke and Ethan
Rachelle Van Adestine
March 10, 2015
Donna was always a very present parent at Amalia's school. We met when our girls were only in Kindergarten. She was always there for Amalia and the school helping whenever she can. My heart breaks for Amalia but know that your Mom is at peace and love you very very much. Amalia you should be very proud of what an amazing woman your Mom was and what a great job she did raising you. Tons of love Rachelle and Tatum Strand
Nicole Baker
March 9, 2015
My sympathies to Donna's entire family. I knew her in high school and from the picture above I see she still had that beautiful all encompassing smile. Hold on to the knowledge that she is still with you, as she is a part of each of you. My thoughts and prayers are sent to all of Donna's family. You have an angel.
RoyAnne Stirling (nee Johner)
March 9, 2015
So very sad to hear of Donna's passing. My prayers and condolences go out to her entire family.
I knew her at Archbishop O'leary High School and will forever cherish those "Spartans" memories.
Charlene, Darryl, and Dan Seehagel
March 9, 2015
To Esteban and family - We were so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. We enjoyed meeting Donna when she was in Vancouver with Amalia visiting you, and it was clear how much she cared about you. Thinking of all of you at this very difficult time.
March 9, 2015
My Prayers and condolences to the family in these difficult times
Barry Lackton
Gene & Vicki Babiak
March 9, 2015
Minnie and family, so sorry to hear of your loss of a loved one. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
March 8, 2015
I am so saddened to hear of Donna's passing. I knew her through work. She was a lovely, kind, warm person with a beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Jo Tworek
Donna Boldt
March 8, 2015
Minnie and your Family, I am so so sorry for your loss. Donna will be deeply missed without a doubt.
Carl and Betty Eskow
March 8, 2015
To Minnie and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of Donna's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Paul/Shirley Myroniuk
March 8, 2015
Minnie & Family, We were sorry to read about your daughter in the paper. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Keep happy thoughts
Carla Chalifoux
March 7, 2015
To Amalia, Minnie, Carol and the rest of the family. I am so sorry to hear this news today from Hilda. I saw Donna just a little while ago and was so amazed at her determination and will to keep going with little complaining. I will never forget our visits and her generosity.She rented us (very inexpensive) her timeshare in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico so many years ago and for Craig and Ian instant love of the area was founded. Knowing Donna throughout the years as a client and her lovely daughter Amalia who is the same age as our kids, this news breaks my heart. Minnie, who helped with my first loan in business, Carol, also a client and hockey Mom, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will miss her very much.
Mary Nash-MacKay
March 7, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss,our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Donna was such a strong,intelligent woman. Much love from Mary Nash-MacKay and Rick MacKay
maralyn ryan
March 7, 2015
Donna.. now blazing your way through the stars-you will continue to inspire us to be our best-always. Heartfelt condolences to Amalia, her brother and sisters.
Judy Wilson
March 7, 2015
I am saddened beyond words for all of your family. Donna lived a full, albeit far too short, of a life - accomplishing so much......and surrounded by family and friends who loved her to bits - that is a wonderful legacy.
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9709 111 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5G OB2
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