November 12, 1950 – August 28, 2011
For three years Donna Maureen Edwards fought with dignity and determination against cancer, and on Sunday, August 28, 2011 she passed away knowing she was extremely loved by her husband, Alan Antonishka, of Calgary who rarely left her side.
Donna was the daughter of Robert and Edith Edwards of Wetaskiwin, AB, who both predeceased her. She is survived by her sister Elaine Wagar; her niece Jen Wagar, and her nephew Mitch Wagar of Airdrie, AB. Nothing was more important to Donna than her family, her friends, her music, and her profession, and throughout her lengthy illness she was humbled by the support and love she received from those devoted people that visited, wrote emails, and telephoned both her and Al. Donna was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, loved to sing, play piano, garden (especially her flowers), and particularly enjoyed her summer retreat in Radium and the cabin on the Sunshine Coast of BC.
A Celebration of Donna’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca. Al and the Wagar family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the doctors, staff, and many volunteers at the Southwood Hospice for a level of care and compassion unprecedented as a vocation. You all are a very special group of people. Thank you so much.
In living memory of Donna Edwards, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.
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I loved you and I miss you already.
Dear Al,
Terry and I are very sad to hear about the passing away of Donna. She has put up a long and courageous fight and will be missed by all. We have always admired how strong and optomistic she was through all of her health setbacks and has helped us to realize to live life to the fullest.
Our Condolences, Glenn & Terry,Brett & Brianna .
Al
My deepest sympathy for your loss of your beautiful wife Donna. Shes at peace now and that is a comfort for you I hope.
She fought a good hard fight.Her positive attitude was very impressive and gave you a lot more time together.
Take care
Colleen
Elaine, we are so sorry for the passing of your sister Donna. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joyce and Carson
Our heartfelt condolences, Al
Ian and Lucinda Prevost
Donna was an exceptional employee at Bellstar in our early years. She helped us build a foundation for a successful future. We enjoyed hearing from Donna periodically about her changes and how she was dealing with challenges. Our Condolences to Alan, family and friends from Ed Romanowski and everyone at Bellstar Hotels & Resorts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Al at this very difficult time. I know your dedication would have been so appreciated by Donna. I am glad that I was fortunate to have gotten to know Donna as a person and a delightful lady as we were acquainted through business. Her fight was admirable and inspirational.
Al, and Elaine, it was an honour to spend time with Donna during many visits over the past several months. Her grace during this difficult time, and your steadfastness, were remarkable and heart-warming. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m sorry I will be out of the country and will miss her service.
Best wishes,
Glori-Jeanne
Dear Al, and Elaine & family,
You have my sincerest sympathy. Donna was a true and loyal friend, and I will miss her. She was a very kind and caring person, and the world is just a little less friendly without her in it. She fought a long, hard battle, and I never once heard her complain, or be anything but optomistic.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Beth Anderson
Al, It seems like only yesterday that I met the two of you in search for your new home in Calgary.The years have past and we all seem to be wrapped up in our own busy lives.Only in times like this do we take the time to remember those very special people.Donna was one of those special people.Those of us that new her will remember her positive attitude,high energy and determination to live life to the fullest. Our thoughts are with you and Donna’s family.Gary Davidson
I was privileged to spend 6 years as Donna’s husband many years ago and even though we did not correspond very much it comes as a profound sadness to hear of her passing.
God Bless all those who gave her comfort during her end years.
Bill
Our prayers are with you Al at this difficult time. Take solace in knowing Donna is at peace. Our condolences, Dean & Amanda.
Dear Al,
Jack and I send our love to you at this time and we are so glad that we got to know Donna and to say how very strong and optimistic she always was. She is a true testament of God’s love for His children.
The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God
Luv Lynn
Dear Al, Donna will be greatly missed. I am so happy that I got to spend time with Donna on my visit to Canada last October and we were able to spend, if only for a short period some time together. I will miss her calls in the middle of the night for a chat (when she alway got the time difference back the front).
My thoughts are with you. Linda
I’m very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. You’re so right when you say that she fought her battle bravely & with dignity. Donna was a consumate professional in her chosen career and I will always remember her dedication as will the Callahan family and the rest of her co-workers. She was fortunate in finding and sharing her life with such a loving husband and companion.
I was sorry to receive the notice of Donna’s passing. I know you will miss her greatly.
With deepest sympathy, Rene (Irene Dika)
Al…..my thoughts and prayers are with you thru this time
Dear Al,
I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Please know my thoughts are with you. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know Donna better, but I do know that she was the light of your life.
All my love, Bev.
Lee and I hope your memory of Donna’s stregnth and courage and of the many happy times you shared together will see you through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
Dear Al
As you know I did not know Donna but spoke with you lots regarding her.
I’m glad to here she is no longer suffering.
If you need anything don’t hestitae to ask.
Rosea
Just a little tribute from Wales in memory of dear Donna- an amazingly strong and brave lady whose unstinting faith kept her strong in all adversity that befell her.God bless Donna and keep her in your care- a lovely lady.OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY WITH YOU ALL.John and Myfanwy Evans Dolgellau Wales.
Alan,Manny and I send you our heart filled condolences. Donna’s smile and optomism will always remain with us both.
Our prayers are with you Al at this difficult time, Donna was a special person
and touched all that knew her, she will be
missed.
Oh I will remember Donna’s infectious laughter and joy of life! – we palled around a lot before All took over her spare time! and we visited in Okotoks when we had those huge yard parties. Although I did not connect much with her since she has been ill, except by telephone, she was ever in my thoughts and I sent cards to cheer her -I will miss her in my life. Sincere condolences in your family’s time of bereavement.
Dona Lee
Donna fought a good fight and now she will rest in peace. We do have sorrow but God is good and he will turn it into joy as we think of the fun times we had with Donna and Al. All the best to you Al and may your mourning turn into joy.
Dear Al
My heartfelt condolences to you. I am saddened to hear of Donna’s passing and was very privileged to know her and be involved in her care.
Dear Al,
It was an honor to know Donna these many years and for Perry and I to share your wedding day as your witnesses. We missed you so much after you left Kelowna, and how I wish I could have been there for you these past weeks. Donna left many lasting memories for the boys and I, and we will miss her very much. Indeed, life is fleeting and it is through these events that we see love, strength, compassion and grace, all of which you have shown to Donna during her illness. We love you.
My heart is saddened at the news of Donna passing. Memories of times and her never ending smiles and laughter were infecting those around. A life lived with love given and received. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. God Bless us all
Al. Donna was a good friend and I will miss her. My prayers go out to you as I know what you must be going through. I know Donna is with God now. No more suffering
Dear Al,
We were so very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Her gift of friendship & positive attitude will always be remembered. You’re in our thoughts Al!
Murray & Donna Renner
Nanaimo, B.C.
I am saddened by the loss of an old and dear friend. Donna & I shared many wonderful moments over the years and I will miss her. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Dear Al,
May memories of wonderful times together with Donna help to comfort you and give you strength in the days ahead.
Our thoughts are with you.
Don & Judy
Hi Al,
We were very saddened to hear about Donna’s passing but relieved that her struggle was finally over. Please know that we are thinking of you and are here for you if you need us. We look forward to seeing you at the cabin again, hopefully soon.
With Love
Trevor, Tina, Ella and Maggie
Al and Elaine
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and know that the very best of memories
we will hold onto forever. Donna gave us alot of memories to hold onto.
With all our love.
I know Donna fought this with courage and persistence and I know that her love of song and music was one of the joys that relieved her stress when things were really tough. I wish her well in the life beyond and I hope the music stays with her spirit always.
Donna and I worked together for over a decade and although I have only talked to her periodically in the last number of years we had communicated on several occasions about her fight. I will miss her periodic calls and the small glimpses we shared into each others worlds when we were able to update on our individual lives and common friends. My sincerest wishes to you Al and God bless you Donna.
Peter Downward
Dear Al,
We are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing! Her strength & attitude were something to be admired. We will always remember her fondly.
Murray & Donna Renner-Nanaimo,B.C.
We were so sad to receive the news of your sad loss of Donna. Although we are miles apart you are always in our thoughts. Please convey our condolences to Elaine and family.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Kindest Regards.
Allan and Cicely.
Our family is deeply saddened by Donna’s passing. I have wonderful memories of our childhood together in Wetaskiwin! Donna will be greatly missed by all whom touched her wonderful life! Donna leaves a truly devoted husband and sister. Our prayers and love are with you all at this sad time in our lives!
With love, Dianne, Frank and family
Dear Al
Wishing you strength, in the days ahead. We all know how you cared for Donna in the last months of her difficult journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family.
With our deepest sympathy,
Donna Grenke & Don Burchell
We were so sad to hear the news about Donna’s passing. We have many happy memories of her visits here to England. Also the many cheerful telephone calls from her. We shall miss her as we are sure everyone who knew her will, very much.
With love from all the Heslup family here in Leeds, England.
Kenneth, Barbara, Susan Kevin & Family.
Al and Elaine,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. May the fond memories you have of Donna see you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Byron and Mae Nelson
Al,
Our thoughts are with you, and the happy times spent with Donna.
Love,
Nathan, Lyndsey, Taylor and Sophie Duncan.
Dearest Al
My prayers and thoughts are with you now as always. If you need anything please call. I will miss Donna – you were both wonderful and caring friends.
Love always Sherry
Dear Al,
My deepest condolences to you and family.
Donna will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
Donna had such strength and I will remember her smile, courage and kindness always.
Jeanie Weikle
I am sad to hear of Donna’s passing. Al, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Al, my heart is saddened today at your loss. Donna was a great person and will be missed.
Al and Elaine,
We are so very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Christie & Troye
Al, I am saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. She will be remembered as a warm accepting and terrific person. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. May all the fabulous memories of Donna’s love for you help you get through this. She will be missed.
Dear Al: I tried to think over the last few days of what to say to you and I know there is nothing that will make the hurt go away. Bob and I are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Donna’s strength throughout the last three years was amazing and she was always so positive. I know she will be missed. Our thoughts are with you. We are here for you if you need to get away. Love Deb and Bob
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Donna fought the good fight with humour, grace, dignity and unending hope. She was a pleasure to work with: fiercely loyal and hard-working. I am lucky to have known and shared part of my life with Donna. My sincere condolences, Al.
Al and Elaine
Donna was a friend of mine and my family for 33 years and we really shared a lot of fond memories. She will be truly missed. She loved life, her friends, family, husband, and her little dogs with a passion. Donna was a classy lady and a good friend and will never be forgotten by us.
Love and comforting thoughts to you.
Wallie, Dave, Dennis, Monika and family
Al, I am truly saddened by Donna’s passing. I had known Donna for many years and was honored that she kept me in the loop about her condition and the ongoing confidence she expressed in how she was going to beat it. She is in good hands with God and will definitely be a blessing in heaven. My sincere condolences.
I’m sorry to hear that Donna passed. I only worked with her a short time but found her to be a great person and very passionate about her work and dogs. My sincere condolences.
Al, we haven’t met but Donna and our families go back to before 1950. My sincere condolences go out to you and Elaine. Very sad to hear. It sounds like she fought as long as she could, as she was always so determined. A lovely, fun loving lady that we’ll never forget. We spent all our school and church years relatively close up to the late 60’s. I have wonderful memories of Donna. It was an honour and pleasure to know her. My thoughts are with you.
Dan
We are so saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. Elaine kept me up to date on how Donna was doing. She was such a fighter. God Bless her and her entire family, your in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Karen, Jim, Mackenzie, Michael and Matthew
Al, Donna gave so much to us, not only as a fine singer but as our beloved accountant of the Celebration Singers in Kelowna. Those of us who knew her truly feel a sense of loss. Memories of Donna come alive once again each time I listen to our CD “Celebration of Song” on which she sings. Know that she will never be forgotten. My warmest thoughts are with you.
Katherine van Kampen
My dear friend, my condolences to Al and all her family.
Al, Our hearts are heavy with the loss of your Donna. She was an amazing and courageous woman. A sister-in-law who was also a friend and a wonderful and loving auntie to our three sons. Donna will be deeply missed but through the special memories of good times shared in years gone by we will keep her love and her laughter in our hearts always. All our love Pete, Karen, Joey, Danny-Lee and Sam
Al – so sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Donna during her time with Celebration Singers in Kelowna during the late 1990’s ~ it was an honour to have joined in song such a courageous woman. May peace be with you in this time. ~ Sandra
Al and family,
Donna and I met through Eastern Star and shared our journeys together to chapter for a while. I will remember her beautiful voice at our meetings. “When a loved one has gone you feel you will never smile again, but as time goes by you will find your loved one is still beside you in your heart and always will be.”
Al, Donna was a sister-in-law, Aunt and friend. We will hold many memories dear to our hearts of occasions from the past 14 years. We will miss her laugh and sense of humor. All our love, Eileen, Marissa and Alisha.
So sorry to hear of your loss. She will be missed. Pat and Norlene
Al and family,
Oh heart, if one should say to you that the soul parishes like the body, answer that the flower withers, but the seed remains.
With heavy hearts,
Lori & Sheldon
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. I was unaware of her illness and her courageous battle over the last few years in that I hadn’t spoken with her since meeting her and Al at a family wedding in Abbotsford eight years ago. My sincere condolences to Al and to Elaine.
Al and Elaine, Donna and I were friends through high school and I am so glad that we kept in touch all these many years.
“May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.”
With love and prayers, Barbara
Dear Al,
Always, and especially on this day as we formally celebrate Donna’s life, I will fondly remember a simpler time when we were little, growing up in a small town surrounded by aunts and uncles and cousins; and living a few doors away from Donna and Elaine; babysitting them when they were tiny (and I wasn’t much bigger), and growing up together. Her’s was was a good life well lived. She will be missed.
Love,
Billy
Dear uncle Al,
I am sorry I could not make it to the services today to be with you. I will always remember how beautiful your wedding was, and how Donna always radiated such a sense of lightheartedness. I will cherish the snowboard trips Alisha and I took to Banff, and how great it was to get to stay with you in Calgary. I will miss her laugh and sense of humor.
My prayers and all of my love are with you.
Marissa
Dear Al,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could be with you at this time to celebrate Donna’s amazing life. I will always remember summers at your place in Kelowna, and all the laughter and joy that radiated throughout your house. Your wedding in that backyard was absolutely beautiful. I will always remember the warm hugs and smiles Donna shared with me. And I will never forget the sound of her voice.
all my love,
Alisha