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DONNA HELEN WINSTONE (DAVIDSON)
Born: Sep 01, 1942
Date of Passing: Jun 25, 2022
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DONNA HELEN WINSTONE
September 1, 1942 - June 25, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Winstone (nee Davidson) on Saturday, June 25, 2022.
Donna will be deeply missed by Don, her best friend, husband of 53 years, and in her later years, her caregiver; her three children, Brent (Andrea), Lara (Dana), and Bruce (Kathe); her sister Marlene Doran (Fred); her sisters-in-law, Joan Andries, Donna Sainsbury (Peter) and Betty-Anne Winstone; her five grandchildren, Jenna, Luke, Shore, Juniper and Tenzin; her many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her many friends and extended family. She was predeceased by her parents, William Parker (2006) and Ruth (2010) Davidson.
Donna was a remarkable woman. She was first a mother, educator, and lover of music. Singing and caring for others were her two great passions. She was born and grew up on a farm at Birtle, Manitoba and was always proud of her rural roots. She graduated from Birtle High School (Governor General's Award). She attended United College and graduated from the University of Manitoba with Bachelor of Science and Education degrees. She taught at Manitou, Beausejour, Glenlawn, and the Adolescent Parent Centre; a program for young mothers who brought their children to school with them. She was a Mathematics teacher first, but also had many other gifts that she shared with all her students: including her love of reading, music, cooking and sewing.
Donna was an accomplished pianist and loved singing. She sang in the Carolyn McDade Choir and also the West Shore Singers in her later life at Gimli. She played the piano at Regents Park United Church for the Youth Choir (WARP) and at Clandeboye and Winnipeg Beach United churches. She was a pastoral care worker at Regents Park United for four years in the 1980s. Her caring for others shone through in everything she did.
Donna was a quiet presence and leader in all aspects of her life: work, home, family, and friends. She was a lifelong learner herself; forever curious. She continued to be a voracious reader and a singer and listener of music. Even when she lost her voice, she never lost her ability to share her love that she felt to all, in her smile and her amazing hugs. She has been a shining light in our lives, so full of liveliness, empathy and giving of support to others. She was a grounding and nurturing force throughout her life for all of us, and most importantly in her family's lives.
We will miss you so much Mom; may you rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 02, 2022
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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My sincerest condolences to Don and Lara, with whom I worked, and the rest of Donna's family. Hopefully your heartbreaking sense of loss will be tempered by your wonderful memories of family times together. - Posted by: Catherine Salki (Family aquaintance) on: Jul 08, 2022
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I've known Donna all my life. I was in W.A.R.P. and always enjoyed her musical vision. She had a great laugh. My heart goes out to you, the family. - Posted by: Gregory Lai (Friend) on: Jul 04, 2022
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I have very fond memories of big potluck dinners at your place and Donna (and Don) always made me feel like I was special and warmly welcomed when I came - I was a 'tween' at the time and that can be very hard for an adult to accomplish - but Donna and Don always did. One of my favourite memories was at their house and we had Christmas Pudding with the most heavenly tangy butter sauce! Whenever you came to visit my folks on the Island, I was always glad to hear that you were there - bringing such joy and friendship to each others' lives. I'd always try to pop around if I was there for work, especially during the Film Festival weeks. Much love to you all, Don, Brent, Lara, and Bruce, who I also have fond memories of. For parents who are friends, and 'force' their kids to hang out with each other - you were always a family I looked forward to seeing! Heather - Posted by: Heather Castleden (Friend of the Family) on: Jul 03, 2022
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Don and family, our sincerest condolences to you all at this sad time. As a colleague of Don’s and members of RPUC, we crossed paths with Donna regularly a few decades ago. She was a kind, gentle soul. I think of both Don and Donna regularly and am not at all surprised to read that, in recent years, there was love and caring and service demonstrated every day between them despite facing the challenges of ageing. Our prayers to you all. - Posted by: Jillian Lamothe (Friend) on: Jul 03, 2022
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My deepest condolences to Brent, Andrea and their families. Much strength to you all in this sad time. - Posted by: Tanya Reid (acquaintance) on: Jul 02, 2022
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I was sad to hear of Donna's passing. What a wonderful person! - Posted by: Heather Eyford (friend) on: Jul 02, 2022
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We send our deepest sympathies and share in your grief. I (Jean) shall always cherish her friendship as I was raising a son as a single parent. She was such a great listener and never was judgmental. She knew how to give support and I always felt better after talking with her. Donna shall be missed by many people. - Posted by: Jim and Jean McClelland (friends) on: Jul 02, 2022
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Dear Donna’s Family, My sincere condolences for your loss. I am very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I was Donna’s hairstylist for many years. She is someone I will always remember. We shared our stories, and laughter, hugs and good wishes were how she left each visit! I feel Blessed to have had the pleasure of her loyalty, inspiration and compassion. Janet Michalyshyn - Posted by: Janet Michalyshyn (Friend) on: Jul 02, 2022
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I used to live next door to her parents in Birtle in the 50’s and early 60’s. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Mary.Jane MacDonald O’Neal (Neighbor ) on: Jul 02, 2022