DONNA LYNN GLOWA

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DONNA LYNN GLOWA (nee SMITH) (HAMEL) Donna died peacefully at home with her children and husband by her side on the evening of Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at age 64. Left to mourn are her husband Ron; sons, Cary (Janet) and Scott (Holly); daughter Lindsay (Bob); grandsons, Oliver and Benjamin; siblings, Gary (Beulah), Margaret (Rocky), Susan (Rob), Rick, Debbie (Wade), Wendy (Jamie), Juwll (Nicole), and Kevin, and many nieces and nephews. Donna is pre-deceased by her Mother Edna Meeres and Father Clifford Smith. Donna was born September 24, 1952 in Moncton, New Brunswick. The fourth of nine children in a young military family, her childhood was spent across Canada. Quiet dark curly-haired Donna bravely walked across rail bridges high over the North Saskatchewan River in Prince Albert, SK and was often found outside playing hopscotch in Whitehorse, YK. From the beginning, she had a love for the outdoors and adventure, often speaking of her fond memories bike riding along the ocean in Courtenay-Comox, BC, a place she always felt deeply connected to. Throughout her childhood, she built friendships that lasted a lifetime. In 1966, Donna and the Smith family moved to the Air Force Base in St. James, Winnipeg, where she spent her teen years dancing to Ruby Tuesday at The St. James Civic Centre and having fun working as a waitress with her sister Margaret at the Silver Heights restaurant. Donna's father retired in 1971 and the Smith family moved to BC. Donna and her sister Margaret remained in Winnipeg and their life-long connection grew deeper. They grew their young families alongside one another, always talking on the phone sharing every detail of their lives. Often speaking multiple times a day, they spoke about everything from recipes to their shared hopes and dreams. Never missing a life milestone, Auntie Donna cherished her close relationships with nieces and nephew Jason (Irene), Ainsley (Mike) and Jennifer (Ryan) and brother-in-law Rocky. Donna leaves many gifts to this world, her first being Rick Baker. Rick was born August 7, 1971 and was adopted by the wonderful and loving Baker family. It gave Donna immense peace and comfort to meet Rick later in life. In the fall of 1973, Donna became a mother to Cary. Donna created a rich, fulfilling and loving home for Cary in their Wolseley apartment. Always living her life with an immense sense of gratitude, she was happy with what she had, finding true joy in the simple pleasures of a sunny stroll with Cary. Lindsay was born in the spring of 1979 to Donna, Wayne and big brother Cary. Not long after, Scott was born at their St. Vital bungalow in the summer of 1980. Donna and her young family became part of a vibrant neighbourhood, a community of love and support. Family life in the 80s was bustling block parties, coffee chats on the front steps, and summer kiddie pool parties. As a neighbour, she continued to cultivate lifelong friendships. As a mother, Donna was a vessel of unconditional, nonjudgmental love, allowing her children to grow, explore, and develop their own selves while inspiring them with a deep sense of kindness, empathy and understanding for others. Donna married Ron, her loving husband of 25 years, in the fall of 1991 in the sunroom of their home in St. Andrews. They had a marriage of strength, unconditional love, and support, and together they loved hosting at their kitchen table. Donna was always a wonderful host, wanting to provide for all. Donna and Ron loved their winter backyard bonfires. Always ready for a good time, Donna would challenge everyone in the family to 'olympic races' in the snow. Forever active in the community, Donna played ringette and spent many beautiful days walking with friends along River Road. A working mother, Donna spent 37 years at Safeway in Fort Garry where she built lifelong relationships with co-workers and customers. She loved hearing about peoples' lives as she rang through their groceries. Anywhere Donna went, she was sure to run into 'someone who shops at Safeway." Donna and 'the girls from work" continued to share a deep and meaningful connection, spending summer weekends at the cabin and supporting each other until her last days. Donna's greatest joy came on April 7, 2007 when Oliver was born. She loved being a Grandma. She was doubly blessed when Benjamin came into the world on May 19, 2011. She was incredibly proud of her grandsons, experiencing life as a Grandma was the highlight of her life. She was forever grateful for sleepovers, Halloween-themed dinners, decorating the Christmas tree together and the simplicity of a sunny walk with her grandsons. She truly thrived in the moments spent with them. Donna's last days were full of love, care and compassion. She was incredibly grateful for all the support she received from so many. Friend Joanne Geurts was a constant source of love and care. Donna leaves a legacy of kindness, empathy, mindfulness, bravery and gratitude. She is an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed. Flowers are graciously declined. In lieu of flowers, Donna has requested donations to Operation Smile Canada in her name. A Celebration of Life will be held next Wednesday, December 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 05, 2016