EVANS, Donna

EVANS, Donna After a brave, persistent and ever positive battle against cancer, Donna Evans, at the age of 72, passed peacefully, on March 1, 2019.

Donna is survived by Donna Clark, her beloved partner of 32 years. Loving mother to Paula Bowman (Steve) and Peter Evans (Shannon) and cherished Gram to Grace, Jack, Malcolm, Reed, Charlie and Brooklyn. Donna is predeceased by her mother, Helen (Bellinger/Doholis) and her brother Ted Doholis (Linda) and is survived by brothers, Russell Gilbert (Karen) and Stephen Doholis (Karen). Donna leaves behind many treasured friends and family, amongst whom are those she held very dear at St. James Anglican Church; Paul, with whom she shared many early years, and lifelong friends Jeff and Greg.

Donna faced her illness with unwavering determination and courage that was a hallmark of her life. Family was paramount, Donna loved spending time together, making memories at the cottage; taking boat rides and fishing wherever possible. She enjoyed having fun, mischievous escapades with the grandkids, often to the surprise of their parents; garnering her status as “Cool Gram”. Donna loved to fill her home with friends and family, never missing a chance to try a new recipe or cooking her timeless classics for a crowd. She loved fixing things and if you had a project, big or small, she was there to help, with the trailer in tow, carrying her paintbrushes and toolboxes, as needed. Donna’s work life allowed her to explore many opportunities. She was a dedicated Nurse in her first career, later working in the manufacturing industry at Trident and Navistar (Chatham), and in retirement at Home Depot (Burlington).

We would like to express our profound gratitude to the staff and medical practitioners at Juravinski Hospital, clinical trials at Sunnybrook Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital; through their efforts we had precious extra time. Thanks to Dr. Beverly Hattersley, whose devoted efforts and care in Donna’s final days, kept her comfortable and enabled her to live life to the fullest. Thanks to Donna’s church family, who faithfully prayed and provided support throughout her treatment and beyond, affectionately enfolding her in a prayer shawl, which they made for warmth and protection. Donna received pastoral care from the Priests of St. James, The Late Reverend Canon Jean Archbell and The Reverend Canon Peter Davison who supported her and strengthened her resolve, during her two and a half year battle.

Donna will be missed by her family and friends as she was a source of love, guidance, good fun and some mischief for us all.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held in Donna’s memory at St. James Anglican Church, 137 Melville St., Dundas, on March 21, 2019. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., service at 2 p.m. followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Donna’s name to St. James Parish or Wheels of Hope through the Cancer Society.