Tribute Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new tribute is posted.
Donna Bellavance
April 15, 1941 - June 16, 2026
Tribute
April 15, 1941 – June 16, 2026
On June 16, 2026, Donna Bellavance, a long-time resident of Salt Spring Island, died peacefully at Lady Minto Hospital after several years living with dementia.
Donna was born in Uxbridge, Ontario, on April 15, 1941. She was predeceased by her mother, Lena Cummings, her first husband, George Blackwell, and her beloved husband, Gene Bellavance. Donna is survived by Gene’s son Greg Bellavance, his wife Kym, Gene’s daughter Marnee Bellavance, grandchildren; Rea-Anne (Roger), Ashley, Jake, Alexa (Aliah), Kyle, Cassidy, Maya (Aiden),five great grandsons and a great granddaughter.
After graduating from Trinity College at the University of Toronto with a degree in English, Donna moved to Vancouver, where she built a distinguished career teaching English and English Literature at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School. A passionate educator, she inspired generations of students through her love of language, literature, and learning. She was deeply committed to her students’ success and later became actively involved in the International Baccalaureate program.
Donna and Gene moved to Salt Spring Island in 1995, where they enjoyed life on the water, time at Wise Island, and the island community they came to cherish.
Donna had a lifelong love of animals and shared her home and heart with many beloved dogs and cats over the years. She also formed a special bond with two donkeys, Alistair and Farley, who brought her great joy. Friends remember Donna for her intelligence, sharp wit, lively conversation, impeccable sense of style, and generous spirit.
Although dementia gradually stole many memories, it never diminished Donna’s love of poetry, music, and Broadway show tunes.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr Peter Verheul, Dr Christian Wiens and the ECU staff at Lady Minto Hospital for their compassionate care.
Donna will be remembered with affection by her family, friends, former students, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory lives on in the many lives she touched. A service will be held at All Saints by the Sea in September date TBD.
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Haywards Funerals
Haywards Funerals staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Marnée Bellavance
Relation: Step-daughter
My dear “WSM” – self proclaimed wicked step mother always wanted to be remembered by this quote from Robert Frost The Lesson For Today
“I had a lover’s quarrel with the world”
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Haywards Funerals
Telephone: (250) 537-1022
Website: https://www.haywardsfuneral.ca/
Email: contact@haywardsfuneral.com
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone# for handy reference.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Donna Bellavance
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
