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DONNA SHARON MITENKO
Born: Jul 19, 1940
Date of Passing: Jun 07, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDONNA SHARON MITENKO
July 19, 1940 - June 7, 2020
It is with shock and sadness that her family announces the passing of Donna after a brief illness.
She is survived by her husband, Paul; her children, Hugh (Janine), David (Ciara), Sarah (Peter) and Andrew; her grandchildren, Max, Ben, Sam, Killian and Tiernan; her brother, Ron Cantelon (Shelley); brother-in-law, Graham (Terrye); her nieces and nephews, Kevin, Amanda (Steph), Katrina, Katherine (Matt), Arthur and Abigail; her great-nephew, Shae, and her great-niece, Eliana. Donna was predeceased by her eldest son, Mark.
Donna was born in Winnipeg to Margaret and Arthur Cantelon, and her childhood was enlivened by her many cousins. A brilliant and creative woman, she graduated from Charleswood High School and the University of Manitoba before teaching high school mathematics. She was introduced to Paul in 1959, and 60 years of love and friendship followed. She supported him while he went through medical school, and then she chose to stay at home to raise their five children.
Donna made a wonderful home for her family, first on the Assiniboine River in Winnipeg and then on Departure Bay in Nanaimo. As a mature student, she attended Malaspina College (now Vancouver Island University), where she studied art and art history. She especially loved pottery and painting, and her love of wildlife (particularly birds) provided a frequent subject for her work. She was a writer as well, and her stories continue to amuse her grandchildren. She enjoyed some amazing family trips in later life with her now-grown children, including France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, and England.
We remember Donna for her unrelenting cheerfulness and good humour, even in the face of her illness. She had a silly streak and a quick wit; fortunately, both were passed along to her children and grandchildren. Her interest in people is reflected in the recollections of friends and family. She was, in the words of several family friends, someone you could talk to at any time.
Our thanks go to the attentive staff of the Nanaimo General Hospital, and particularly to the aides, nurses, and doctors of the Palliative Care Unit.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mark Mitenko Scholarship Fund at either the Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundation or the University of Victoria.
A celebration of Donna's life will be held when possible.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 12, 2020, Jun 13, 2020
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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My condolences to the Mitenko family. I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I have so many fond memories of all of you. I remember moving to Gabriola Island with my dad and working at the Costco in Nanaimo. I missed many a ferry and spent many a night sleeping on their coach. Donna and everyone made me feel like family. I cherish those memories. Our family has known Donna and family since Donna’s days in Charleswood. My love and thoughts to you all. - Posted by: Michael Guertin (Family Friend ) on: Jun 14, 2020
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With sadness I read of Donna’s passing. We enjoyed many coffee, crafting, exercising, child “swapping”, gab sessions and just visiting times during our days on Barker. I missed her greatly when you moved to Nanaimo. She was a good friend. My condolences to you, Paul, Hugh, David, Sarah and Andrew. Sadly Lance passed away on May 31st. Hope Donna and Lance are enjoying a scotch together for old times sake and Lance is teasing her about putting coke in her scotch!!?? - Posted by: Lynn Millar (Friend and Winnipeg neighbour) on: Jun 13, 2020
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Hello Paul and family, Very sad to here of your loss..We have been out of touch for a long time but please accept my condolences ..regretfully...Ken - Posted by: Ken sutherland (High school chum) on: Jun 12, 2020
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I knew Donna when we were kids & went to Charleswood Collegiate the same time. For a short time she formed a little club that Ronnie & I were part of. Sorry to hear of her passing. - Posted by: Ramona ( Mona Wilde ) Tout (friend) on: Jun 12, 2020
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Sorry to hear about Donna's passing our condolences to Paul and family. on behalf of Rick, Randy, Rod Mitenko and our families in Winnipeg - Posted by: Rod Mitenko (Cousin ) on: Jun 12, 2020