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DONNA LEE TESAROWSKI
Born: Nov 14, 1961
Date of Passing: Nov 14, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDONNA LEE TESAROWSKI On Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Donna passed away at the age of 51 years, at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, after a two decade fight with Scleroderma. Donna's eyes were donated to the Manitoba Lions Eye Bank, an organization her Uncle Chester founded. Donna was born in Minnedosa, MB on November 14, 1961, daughter of the late Benny and Violet Tesarowski, sister to David (Dawn), Dale (Janet), and Daryl; beloved aunt to Katie (Scott), Andrew and Laura, Josh (Jen), Sam and Jacob. After graduation from Minnedosa Collegiate in 1979, Donna worked at the Minnedosa Co-op garage before attending Red River Community College to complete an administrative assistant course. She began working at Sport Manitoba in 1981. In 1984 she was hired as the Executive Director for Artistic Gymnastics until 1994 when her career was cut short by her illness. She was highly regarded by her peers both in Manitoba and nationally. She loved her gymnastics "kids" and made many lifelong friends through the sport. Numerous trips were made with friends and to see family, travelling coast to coast in Canada and points in the U.S. and was raring to go on the next road trip, even if it was just a short drive to Lockport for a hotdog. Donna was known for her fun-loving nature. She loved the colour purple, to eat out and to shop, especially for others. She was the ultimate party planner, left no detail unattended and went to great lengths to find the perfect gifts for friends and family alike. Her specialty was surprising people, but because of her enthusiasm, had a hard time to keep from spilling the beans. She never missed an episode of Coronation Street. Donna inherited her mother's green thumb and loved the challenge of growing plants from seeds, even a coffee bean. She proudly maintained her independence and lived on her own with the attentive home care provided by Ewa and Irina. Donna's spirit was unwavering. She valued her friends and was an inspiration to all in the way she faced so many obstacles while courageously battling her illness. The family is grateful to all the special people in Donna's life - the medical team who helped her over the years and especially her posse of friends who were her family too, and did so much for her. A tribute for Donna will be held on Friday, November 23, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Holiday Inn West, 2520 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg. Family also invite friends to gather on Saturday, November 24, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the United Church Hall, Minnedosa. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna's memory may be made to The Arthritis Society, 105 - 386 Broadway Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3R4. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2012
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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I became friends with Donna when we both attended RRCC. We were spelling bee rivals! Donna was a whiz at accounting and excelled in her career with Sport Manitoba. A dark cloud appeared over her life when she was still so young at heart, but that did not deter her. She forged on in her wheelchair and then with her walker as she continued to have fun, decorate her condo and buy special things for friends and family. I just loved being there when she found just the right gift or outfit for that special niece or nephew, or when she found the silliest of gifts at the dollar store. Donna T - you have left behind a huge fan club. I will miss you dearly, but for you, I am so glad your pain and suffering is over Donna. Make sure you plant an orange tree up there in Heaven! I am sure it will grow very well with your love and attention. Janine xo - Posted by: Janine Milani (long time friend) on: Nov 28, 2012
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My family and friends met Donna when my mother was her neighbour in the hospital. We all grew very fond of Donna. My kids would love to talk with her and draw her pictures. You could just feel how much Donna loved kids. My kids felt it too as they looked forward to seeing her and would send their hellos when they could not go. But it was not just the children who liked to visit her. Our family and friends always took time while visiting mom to talk with Donna. We were looking forward to seeing her again as we had plans to visit Donna in Deer Lodge...We are extremely sad to hear of her leaving us as we knew we had met someone special. To her family, Memories...the most beautiful things in the world..cannot be seen nor touched...they are felt with the heart. - Posted by: kim (friend) on: Nov 26, 2012
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I am so lucky to have had Donna in my life. She was truly a good friend in every sense of the word. DT lived life to the fullest while facing the challenges put in front of her with an amazingly positive and courageous attitude. She was an inspiration and in so many ways a hero to so many of us that had the pleasure of knowing her. We will carry a piece of her spirit with us until we meet again. - Posted by: Rick Lambert (Friend) on: Nov 22, 2012
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Donna, a beaming ray of sunshine and a smile that was oh so contagious. I remember all those great summers at the cottage playing from dawn til dusk with the Tesarowski clan. My most fondest memory was when I last saw her when she surprised me at my birthday party not so long ago in Winnipeg. Farewell my friend. - Posted by: Cam Weir (Neighbour / Friend) on: Nov 22, 2012
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Thinking of the family. I have many fond memories of the Tesarowski family. Going to the big garden. Donna will not be forgotten. - Posted by: Ruth Spencer Nee Gordon (Friend) on: Nov 22, 2012
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Donna was a few years older than me but, in high school, I remember she was always so friendly and forever had a smile on her face. Her brothers were friends with my older brother, Kit. I was sorry to hear about her health challenges. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. - Posted by: Jennifer Harrison (Highschool friend) on: Nov 22, 2012
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Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Tesarowski family on the loss of their beloved sister Donna. She was a gem with incredible human spirit who taught us all so much about the value of friendship and kindness. You will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Marie and Gordon Matheson (friends ) on: Nov 21, 2012
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Farewell my friend you're leaving It's time for you to go Your friendship was a blessing And we will miss you so. - Posted by: Renate (friend) on: Nov 21, 2012
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What an inpsiration you were to all of us, Donna! We have all learned so much from you and the way you lived your life. I admired your courage and strength, your witty sense of humour, your positive attitude and your very loving nature. Thank you for being the "bright light" that you were! I know that you will still continue to shine your bright and loving spirit on all of us. LOVE YOU!!! - Posted by: Bev (cousin) on: Nov 21, 2012
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It has probably been over +15 years since I last saw Donna. My childhood memories of the gymnastics life always includes Donna and her fun loving nature. Her vibrant spirit, energy and compassion showed no boundaries. Donna will always be foundly remembered. - Posted by: Jason Westmacott (One of the gymnastic "kids") on: Nov 20, 2012
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We will always remember your great sense of humour and your cheerful laughs despite the challenges of your illness. - Posted by: Laurnet and Jette (Friend) on: Nov 20, 2012
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I never forgot to tell you in life aNd I will say it now, I love you and will continue to love you always in my heart. What a special lady you were. XXXOOO - Posted by: Janice Lorback (Long-time friend) on: Nov 20, 2012
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Thank you Donna for being a great Friend, I will miss you and your kindness and warmth will always be with me. Rest in Peace Donna - Posted by: Kelly Thompson (Friend) on: Nov 20, 2012
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Will miss you every day. - Posted by: David and Dawn () on: Nov 20, 2012
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