Donna May Wilson, 74, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Friday, Nov. 7, 2008 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
Donna was born July 12, 1934 in Fort Frances to the late Joseph and Lillian Bone. She was raised on the family dairy farm on River Road in Alberton Township, Ont., where she learned the art of farming, helping her parents and brother with the daily tasks of farm life—whether this meant in the fields, the barn, or in the home.
Her parents later sold the farm and purchased a confectionary store, which they named L & L Variety. Donna continued to help her parents by working in the store.
In 1958, she met Royden “Red” Wilson and shortly afterwards they were united in marriage on Sept. 20, 1958. Donna and “Red” raised their two daughters, Donna and Dixie, and son, Bill. It was at this time she decided to start her bus-driving career for Asselins, where she worked from 1978 until 1996.
Donna was a member of Knox United Church in Fort Frances, as well as an active member of the Fort Frances Lions Club, with the position of vice-president, and the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 Ladies Auxiliary.
Donna was truly young at heart in everything she did, and she will be dearly missed in the hearts of her family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Royden “Red” Wilson in 2005; her parents, Joseph Albert “Lloyd” and Lillian Bone; her brother, Doug Bone; brother, Donald in infancy; and nephew, Dale Bone.
Donna is survived by her daughters, Donna Lori (Larry) Kehler of Thunder Bay, Ont. and Dixie (Allan) McDonald of Devlin, Ont.; son, Bill (Patti) Wilson of Fort Frances, Ont.; six grandchildren, Kyle and Colin Kehler, Alex and Brad McDonald, and Lyndsi and Nikki Wilson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate Donna’s life was held Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Reve. Carl Emke officiated, with interment in the La Verendrye Columbarium in Fort Frances.
Cremation took place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, Mn.
The honourary pallbearers were Donna’s grandchildren, Kyle and Colin Kehler, Alex and Brad McDonald, and Lyndsi and Nikki Wilson.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to either the Canadian Cancer Society, P.O. Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8 or to the Fort Frances Lions Club c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com
When I must leave you for a little while, please do not grieve and shed wild tears, and hug your memories to you through the years, but step out bravely with a gallant smile for my sake, and in my name live on, and do all things the same.
Feed not your loneliness on empty days, but fill each waking hour in useful ways. Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer, and in turn, I will comfort you and hold you near, and never, never be afraid to die, for I am waiting in the sky.
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