Tribute

It is with heavy hearts we share the peaceful passing of our sister, aunt, and dearest friend. After dealing with pancreatic cancer for 20 months Donna chose to end her suffering and we are grateful she is free from pain.

Donna held a BA from UBC 1976 and a teaching certificate 1977. Donna felt as a teacher she had been given an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of her students. She made an enormous impact on the lives of many students and she continued with this dedication through her volunteer work. Donna was an active volunteer at The Lady Minto Hospital Thrift Store, The Salt Spring Seniors Services Society, and The Croftonbrook Craft Group, as well as performing numerous random acts of kindness throughout the Salt Spring Community.

Donna will be deeply missed by her surviving family; brother Robert (Carolyn) Smith; sisters Jan Smith (Paul Oeuvray) and Maureen (Dave) Milner; her beloved nephews and nieces Daniel (Lauren) Smith, Rebecca Smith, Steve (Olivia) Smith, Amelia Milner (Trevor Lemky), and Genevieve Milner; her cherished great nephews Robert and Carter Smith, Lincoln and Jasper Lemky; and her close companion Mauro Lepore.

The family expresses their gratitude to her dear friends Mauro Lepore, Bev Kay, Victoria Paul, Charlie Molnar for all their support and love. We also want to thank Island Health Community Home Services, Short-Term Nursing and The Red Cross Loan Program for their services and support enabling Donna to remain in her home. We thank The Lady Minto Hospital staff (emergency, lab and acute care), Dr Stephane Voyer and Sandi at Long Harbour Medical Clinic, Dr Ian Gummeson, Island Health Palliative Care Team, Dr Holly Slakov, Dr Don Versluis, BC Ambulance Service, and BC Cancer Society (particularly Pain and Symptom Clinic) for their compassionate care. Finally, we thank the many other individuals that helped Donna maintain her independence and quality of life.

Donna requested no service but asks you remember her by helping another, whether that be by volunteering or donation of time, goods or funds; perhaps simply by helping someone you see in need. She asks you enjoy the spring flowers and think of her.

We will miss Donna’s generosity, laughter, playfulness, and her consummate kindness… travel well dear Donna.