On the afternoon of October 23, 2025, Donna passed away peacefully at Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Donna was born in Victoria and grew up in the Edgeware district. Her favourite playground was the orphanage. Donna went to Vic High and during that time, she worked in the tunnel between the two Eaton’s stores making soft ice cream and mini donuts. Donna met Jack when she was eighteen years old and soon after started working at his family business, the Dutch Bakery and Coffee Shop.
Jack and Donna were married in 1961 and started a family soon afterwards. When their children were young, there were many January holidays in Hawaii. Jack and Donna started boating in 1972 and had lots of adventures with the family and friends. They boated for 50 years, and Donna was a very active member of the Capital City Yacht Club. Donna and Jack did a few cruise trips, a riverboat in Europe and visited family in the Netherlands. They also enjoyed 25 years of snow-birding in Palm Springs. Donna was the life of a party. She had many very good friends and enjoyed her walking girls and the pool group.
Donna worked at the Dutch Bakery for 35 years. After her grandson Riley was born, she stayed home to look after Riley and daughter Lavonne took Donna’s job at the bakery. Donna would still jump in at the bakery for Christmas and Easter and whenever needed.
Donna was predeceased by her daughter, Lavonne and by her Mom and Dad, Eleanor and Sam Mars; her brother, Bob; sister, Mona; and niece, Karen.
Donna is survived by Jack, her husband of 64 years, and their son Jack Jr. and his wife Carolyn and their children, Jake (Jay) and Chelsea (Grant), grandson Riley (Eve) and son-in-law Kelly. Donna is also survived by her niece-daughters, Cathleen and her husband, Paul, and Lori and her husband Doug and their children, Colton (Chloe, Jones) and Rachel, and a very special niece, Suzanne. Donna is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces, and many very good friends.
Thank you to Dr. Govender and his Team and to the staff at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital for their care.
A celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Center at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Dr., Victoria, B.C. on November 10, 2025, at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Donna’s name to Hospice or Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Schaddelee” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Tracey Moss (Floor)
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Clarice Caroline Stewart Clarice Stewart and family
May all your wonderful memories comfort you and your family.
Donna cared deeply for her family and friends. She included people all her life to make the best of times for everyone.
The memories we made with you both will never be forgotten.
Love and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family,
Clarice Stewart
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Mike and Gayle Stewart Loutit and Family Thinking of you and your entire family, Jack. Everyone in our family has so many fond memories of Donna. We admired her spunk, her generous heart, and the amazing example that she set for so many younger people, inspiring them to work hard and embrace every joy in life too. Sending our love and heartfelt sympathy to you. Mike and Gayle Stewart-Loutit and family.
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Peter Whitehead Dear Jack and family. Dianne and I are sad to hear of your great loss and offer our condolences. I was a member of CCYC for many years and Donna’s contribution to the club was much appreciated by all.
Peter and Dianne Whitehead.
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Heidi Harms Dear Jack and family, I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I met Donna many times when Lavonne and I were friends. Our husbands at the time, Doug and Mark, played volleyball together. Our sons Ryan and Riley playing together when they were young. Donna was always so full of life and laughter. May she rest in peace. Heidi Harms
I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Donna was always like a bonus aunt to me and I loved all of the time our families spent together boating, feasting and travelling. I will always picture Donna laughing heartily on the deck of her beautiful boat in a sunny gulf island harbour. Thinking of you, Jack, and the whole family as you navigate this difficult time. My Dad and I send our regrets for missing her service due to illness, but our hearts will be with you all tomorrow.