DONALDA ELIZABETH FENSKE (PETRIE)

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DONALDA ELIZABETH FENSKE (nee PETRIE) November 19, 1957 May 10, 2007 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donalda (Don) on Thursday, May 10 after a six year battle with ALS. As were her wishes Don was at home in the arms of her husband Dennis. She is survived by her husband Dennis and two beautiful daughters, Allison and Kathryn. She is predeceased by her brother Brian, father Alexander and Red Sabiston. Don was born in Swan River, MB and was raised in the Kenville, Swan River area until 1965 when her father and mother took on jobs with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool building 27 grain elevators in numerous communities in Saskatchewan. The family moved to Thompson, MB in 1970 to pursue employment and Don entered the school system, where Don met her husband to be in grade seven. She was active in school activities and became a great organizer, a trait she maintained throughout her life. Don graduated from R.D. Parker Collegiate in 1976 and then worked for the local mine, INCO for two years. Don and Dennis were married on July 15, 1978 in Victoria, BC and then they were off to Utrecht, Holland, where Dennis had signed a contract to play hockey. Don and Dennis returned to Canada on a permanent basis in 1981 when they moved to Saskatoon, SK so that Dennis could attend University on a hockey scholarship and Don worked on campus for the Dean of Vocational Agriculture. Their daughter Allison was born in March of 1984 and when Dennis graduated in 1986 they moved on to Moosomin, SK. While in Moosomin, Don worked for a bank, the Federal Government and as wife of the local Recreation Director, started the first reading program for young children at the Regional Library. The family moved home to Thompson, MB in October of 1988 where Don started with the School District of Mystery Lake in what was then the Special Needs Department. She progressed in the administrative support role up to the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of the School Division and maintained that position until her diagnosis of ALS prevented her from continuing to work. In December of 1989 Kathryn was born and Don's life changed again. Don was a very caring, considerate mother and like a mother bear, extremely protective of her children. While living in Thompson, Don was very active in community life, particularly with the Thompson Festival of the Arts where she served as President for many years. Don never lost her appreciation for the Arts or for the young children who participated. Don's true character was tested with the death sentence of ALS, an incurable desease. Over the last six years she has been an inspiration to all around her, she will be greatly missed, never replaced and will continue to inspire. Thank you to all of the staff who supported us in our fight against ALS: Homecare, BRHA, ALS team at Deer Lodge, Fire Fighters Association, Huskie Alumni, City of Thompson, and the School District of Mystery Lake. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Thursday, May 17 at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church followed by a luncheon at the St. John's United Church. Interment of cremated remains will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations would be greatly appreciated in Don's name to the Thompson Festival of the Arts, c/o Peggy Martin, 56 Hillside Crescent, Thompson, MB R8N 0W1 or to the Northern Spirit Manor c/o Betsy Wrana, 879 Thompson Dr. South, Thompson, MB R8N 0A9. Arrangements being provided by Northland Funeral Home Jim Boardman.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 26, 2007