DONNA MAE MCKELVY (BUTTERFIELD)

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DONNA MAE MCKELVY (nee BUTTERFIELD) It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend on January 4, 2008 at the Portage General Hospital. Donna loved life. Her positive spirit shone through and touched many lives along the way. Donna especially loved being a Grandma. Nothing meant more to her than having her grandchildren so close by. She enjoyed being involved in all aspects of their lives and attended each of their activities with pride. Donna was born April 23, 1943 in Winnipeg. She attended elementary school in Bagot and later attended high school in MacGregor. After high school she graduated with her LPN diploma from St. Boniface Hospital. Nursing was more than a profession to Donna; her nurturing personality was evident in her ability to care for others. On September 16, 1967 she wed her high school sweetheart Bob. Together they raised their 3 children while living in Winnipeg, Ottawa, Calgary and finally in 1979 moving back to MacGregor to manage the family insurance business. It is here where they really felt at home and became active members of the community. Donna kept busy with community organizations such as: the Ladies Curling Club, Ladies Golf Club, Hospital Aid, United Church Board, and the Lions Club as well as the many school and sports activities her children were involved in. Donna played many sports throughout her life. In her younger years she enjoyed baseball, later in life golf became her summer past-time however, curling was always her passion. Whether she was participating, coaching, cheering or providing on ice radio commentary Donna was at the rink. In 1992 she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Throughout her sickness Donna was amazed by all the community support. When the search began for a bone marrow donor the community rallied and hundreds of people volunteered for the bone marrow registry and continue to be blood donors. On April 23, Donna's 50th birthday, she was reborn. Valerie Donohoe gave the most precious gift of all, a second chance at life. Donna gained fifteen years in which she was able to watch her children get married and have children of their own. A gift she treasured daily. Donna will be sadly missed by her mother Netta Butterfield, three children, seven grandchildren, Jason (Pam), Declan, Keegan McKelvy; Jill (Shawn), Braden, Amy, Kailey Klippenstein; Jolene (Rick), Brody, Jaxon MacDonald; sister Bonnie (Randy) Rintoul; mother-in-law Margaret McKelvy; sister-in-law Susan (Michael) Paelinck; Special Aunties Doris Pogue, Una Kuran, Alma (Ron) McKelvy as well as others aunts, cousins and numerous friends. Donna was predeceased by her husband Bob (2003); father Bill Butterfield, and father-in-law Vernon McKelvy. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the MacGregor United Church with Rev. Quentin Robinson officiating. Interment will follow in the MacGregor Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 0K8 or to the North Norfolk MacGregor Foundation Inc., Box 696, MacGregor, MB, R0H 0R0. Clarke's Funeral Home, MacGregor in care of arrangements. www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2008