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DONNA LEE AITCHISON
Born: Jul 12, 1947
Date of Passing: Jul 29, 2022
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation
DONNA LEE AITCHISON
July 12, 1947 – July 29, 2022
She was my whole world. She was proof that unconditional love is real, that kindness is always the best approach, and that love and friendships are life's greatest treasures. Now she is gone. Donna succumbed to a sudden illness on July 29, 2022, just weeks after joyfully celebrating her 75th birthday.
I remember meeting Donna on Easter weekend 1984. We both knew it was meant to be. We dated and were married the following year. In our 38 years together, I came to know, respect, and cherish an incredible woman. And being with her made me a better man.
Born Donna Lee Studney on July 12, 1947, the only child of John and Jennie Studney, she grew up in Winnipeg's north end and attended local schools Lansdowne, Lord Nelson, Andrew Mynarsky and Sisler. During her childhood, she formed countless lifelong friendships.
Following school, Donna took a position at Prudential Insurance. After a few years there, she accepted a position at Manitoba Hydro, where her professional and private life flourished in harmony. After gaining experience in various departments, she found her true calling when she joined the newly created Affirmative Action team.
A leader in progressive human resource practices, Manitoba Hydro adopted an Affirmative Action policy, later renamed Employment Equity, in the early 1980s. This resulted in a major shift in how the company recruited, developed and retained a diverse workforce. Donna was thrilled to be a member of this newly formed department and neither she - nor the company – ever looked back.
Combining her natural and authentic way with people with her keen organizational abilities, Donna engaged meaningfully with the wider community; she participated in countless career fairs, school presentations, informational interviews and cultural events, while also representing Manitoba Hydro on several employment-related Boards. She spoke happily of her contributions.
A trusted first point of contact for many inside and outside the company, Donna was often asked to identify resources within her community network to assist an employee or their family member who had a particular need. Her approach was a rare balance of no-nonsense and empathy. Donna was so proud of the new employees she supported as they launched and flourished in their Manitoba Hydro careers. Though too humble to say so herself, she was instrumental in the recognition and awards the company's diversity initiatives received over the years. She had positive impact on so many and her career at Manitoba Hydro brought her joy, satisfaction and lifelong friendships.
Travel was another source of joy for Donna, and we enjoyed annual trips to Maui in spring and Aruba in fall. Not surprisingly, Donna formed lasting friendships while on vacation, too. And she was so happy see these friends this spring after the pandemic restrictions were lifted.
Predeceased by her parents, John and Jennie Studney and her father-in-law James Aitchison, Donna is survived by me - her loving husband, Glenn; her mother-in-law Elizabeth Aitchison; her sister-in-law Peggy Aitchison, nieces, Amanda Dowbenko (David), Jane Swain (Kevin) and Heather Wittick and great- nieces and nephew, Tessa, Dexter and Rylee, along with her cousins in Yorkton, SK, Karen Norman (Ken) and John Mandziuk and nephews, Daniel and Matthew Mandziuk. Donna is also survived by her nieces and nephew from her previous marriage; Brenda (Glenn) Steele, Michele (Scott) Smith, Nicola (David) Beaudry and Christopher Guenette and many cherished friends.
I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the paramedics and the emergency room team who provided Donna's care in her last moments.
Donna's funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Avenue, Winnipeg, MB with Reverend Marilyn Anderson Corkum presiding. A short celebration of Donna's life – a life made meaningful with love, loyalty, compassion, dedication and understanding - will follow in the church hall.
If desired, donations may be made in memory of Donna to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, 409 Tache Ave. C1026, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6
LECLAIRE BROTHERS
475 Provencher Blvd.,
In care of arrangements, 204-775-2220
Publish Date: Aug 13, 2022
DONNA LEE AITCHISON
Donna Aitchison, beloved wife of Glenn Aitchison, passed away on July 29, 2022 at the age of 75.
Funeral arrangements are pending and a longer obituary will be published in the Saturday, August 13, 2022 edition of this paper.
LECLAIRE BROTHERS
475 Provencher Blvd.,
In care of arrangements, 204-775-2220
Publish Date: Aug 6, 2022 Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2022, Aug 13, 2022
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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Glenn, I was so sad to read about Donna’s sudden passing. I looked forward to our weekly appointments and loved having you at our wedding. Rest In Peace, Donna - Posted by: Shirli vilenski East (Former esthetician ) on: Sep 01, 2022
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Please accept my most sincerest sympathy Glenn. The obituary is truly a tribute to Donna. - Posted by: Karen Dzioba (former co-worker of Glenn) on: Aug 17, 2022
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Deepest condolences to you and family on the loss. Take Care Jodie Dupas - Posted by: Jodie ((Former colleague of Glen)) on: Aug 17, 2022
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My Deeply Sincere condolences to you Glen and the family! In 1991 I worked along side Donna in Employment Equity at MB Hydro til about 1995. That was my first job after high school I loved that department so much everyone was so good to me. I will be thinking about you all in spirit today as I am unfortunately living in Brandon and have no transportation to get there. Big tight hugs to you all! - Posted by: Rodney Mcknight (Friend) on: Aug 16, 2022
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Glen, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Donna. It was an honour to have worked with her for so many years. I started working with her when Hydro created the Affirmative Action policy and department in the mid 1980s. Not only was she a co-worker, she was like a sister to me. She treated me as such. My heartfelt condolences to you Glen, she will certainly be missed. I am thankful to you and Donna for the many years of friendship. I will always cherish these memories. Meeting Donna was certainly one of my highlights that I will never forget in my journey in this life. - Posted by: Jim Moore (Friend ) on: Aug 15, 2022
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Glen, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Donna. It was an honour to have worked with her for so many years. I started working with her when Hydro created the Affirmative Action policy and department in the mid 1980s. Not only was she a co-worker, she was like a sister to me. She treated me as such. My heartfelt condolences to you Glen, she will be certainly missed. I am thankful to you and Donna for the many years of friendship. I will always cherish these memories. Meeting Doona was certainly one of my highlights that I will never forget in my journey in this life. - Posted by: Jim Moore (Friend ) on: Aug 15, 2022
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Sorry to hear that your wife passed away. The obituary for her was beautifully written and touching. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Marilyn Bui (Former colleague ) on: Aug 15, 2022
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Glenn, I am so very sorry to hear of Donna’s sudden passing. I hope that your happy memories of wonderful time spent together will give you some comfort as time moves on. - Posted by: Diane and Barry Allum (Glenn’s cousin) on: Aug 15, 2022
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Dear Glenn. We just woke up with this most sadly news. I don’t have words to express what I feel. My dear lovely Donna, a fighter, strong, powerful and the most kind person I met. We had always long conversations and you both were always present in my life since many years ago when Canada is my second home. She was a kind of mommy to me. She supported me always and gave me love How is possible? She was watching on everybody’s life and health and now she is gone? This is not fear. I just talked to her short time ago, she told me about your last trip to Maui and keep taking care about covid. I’m totally shocked Glenn. RIP my adorable Donna, I will miss her so much. - Posted by: Viviana and also Zimerman (Friends) on: Aug 14, 2022
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Glenn, thanks for your eloquent tribute to our friend Donna. I feel it was a real privilege to be with you and your family over the years. My sincere sympathy to all of you, Reverend Eleanor Geib (As dictated to the volunteer who read the obituary to her and passed on her words) - Posted by: Eleanor Geib (Minister) on: Aug 13, 2022
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Glenn, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Rachelle Woodard (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2022
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Dear Glenn our deepest condolences to you and your family Our thoughts and prayers are with you 🙏 Donna was a beautiful classy and kind lady We will never forget her and we will miss her very much. Rest in Peace Donna - Posted by: Al and Stella Wittick (Friends ) on: Aug 13, 2022
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Dear Glenn, receive my most sincere condolences on your wife’s passing. Through our Spanish class stories I learned of how dear she was to you, and about the beautiful trip you took last Spring to Hawaii. May all the good memories accompany you always. Sincerely, Rossana - Posted by: Rossana McCormack (Friend) on: Aug 08, 2022
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Our condolences to Glenn and to all of Donna's beloved friends/family. May she live on in heaven forever and be held close in your hearts and memories. - Posted by: andrea and paul james (friends of glenn from Aruba) on: Aug 07, 2022
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Glenn, Jim and I send you our deepest condolences on Donna's passing. So many wonderful memories come to mind. The beautiful pinky ring that Donna gave me (which I still have), being the usher at your wedding, celebrating your 25th wedding anniversary, the baby shower that Donna put on for me when I was expecting Tara. Most of all the yearly Christmas card that we got from you and Donna. Always the first Christmas card we received every year for more years that I can count. Rest in peace dear Donna. - Posted by: Tawny and James Landon (Friends) on: Aug 07, 2022
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