Obituary of DONNA JULIA CALDER

DONNA JULIA CALDER

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Donna Julia Calder on August 28, 2019 (75 years old). Donna left us peacefully at CCU in Health Sciences Centre Wednesday morning, from complications of pulmonary hypertension.

Donna was predeceased by parents Joseph and Olga Strembicki, her Uncle Billy and Aunt Pearl on her mother’s side and Aunts Mary, Sally, Jeanette, Anne and Amelia and Uncle Stanley on her father’s side.

Donna is survived by her wife and loving partner of 47 years, Jo-Anne Ford. Donna felt great love for her children, daughter Traci Calder (Doug), of Dryden; and son Kerry Calder (Doris), of Thunder Bay. Her grandchildren Tyler and Nikolas who brought her great joy. She is also survived by her sister Gail Kuchnicki, of Winnipeg, whose kindness and love she cherished every day; and her nieces Saundra (Andrew) and Terrlyn (Julian), of Ottawa and her new great nephew, Henry, whose photo stream gave her hours of enjoyment.

Donna grew up in Transcona where she kept many good childhood friends, still close to this day, some as far back as before grade school. After working 29 years, she retired from CNR in 1995 and continued to enjoy many years of retirement at her cottage at Grand Beach with her children, grandchildren and many good long-time friends. For the last 11 years, Donna wintered in Mesa, Arizona where she gathered many new friends and many good memories there too. Friends and neighbors were important to her, who always shared lots of laughs and many good times. Donna always tried to remember everyone’s special occasions, either with a card or a special phone call birthday song and was happiest with her friends around her.

Cremation has taken place and at Donna’s request, a private family ceremony and interment at Transcona Cemetery will be held in spring. Donations in Donna’s name can be made to a charity of your choice. We thank you all for the love and kindness you have shown to Donna and Jo-Anne over these last difficult months.