With sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, nanny, daughter, partner, sister and friend, Donna. With the help of the caring staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Donna passed peacefully, surrounded by love and her family. Throughout her journey with dementia, she was lovingly supported by her partner Gary, who stood by her side as her constant companion.
Donna was born in Victoria where she spent almost all her life. She was the second of five children born to Vi and Lorne Thornton who predeceased her. Hairdressing was Donna’s trade and passion for more than 50 years having started her career when she was 16 years old. When you stepped into her shop, you were always warmly welcomed. She styled, listened, offered advice and, if you were lucky, she sent you home with one of her delicious homemade cookies.
When Donna talked about her family, you discovered what she considered her most important career: raising her three beautiful children. Throughout her life, she was as devoted to them as they were to her.
Donna leaves behind a family who loved her deeply: her spouse Gary Gillespie; children Angela Mousseau (Julie), Leah Mousseau (Dave), Curtis Mousseau (Kali); grandchildren Charlee and Georgia; and siblings Debbie Marchand (Greg), Russell Thornton (Angela), Diana Thornton, Rick Thornton (Jodi), as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Thornton” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Ginny Hind
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Dana Niemczyk and Cunningham family I’m still finding it difficult to know our Donna is gone. Donna was so much to so many as the previous messages show. We all shared so much with Donna and know her love for Angela, Leah and Curtis was absolute. You three were her world and everything she did was for you and your happiness. I know you will carry on and know she’ll be there, beside you always.
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Cadence (Meghan) McCann I was deeply saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. She was such a formative adult in my childhood, and I have the fondest memories of her welcoming me into her home and shop with open arms and a big smile. I’ll never forget how she always offered a kind ear and unwavering support, no matter what was going on in my life. My heart goes out to Leah, Angela, Curtis and Gary during this difficult time. She will be truly missed.
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Marilyn Lutzmann We met Donna back in the Strom Ness days. She was a wonderful neighbour and a great stylist. It was always fun to go for a haircut and have a visit. I will remember Donna for her great laugh, her kindness to my family and her love for her kids.
Condolences to all the family.
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Lynn Seib Sending my deepest sympathy to ALL the family.
Rest in peace my sweet cousin. Heaven just gained
another Angel❤️
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Lisa Murphy Dear Gary, Angela, Leah, Curtis and family.
We are so sad to hear that Donna has passed away. Donna cut my whole families hair and there was not a time with her that she didn’t talk about her wonderful family! Oh how she loved you all. We would laugh and sometimes cry as we sat in Donna’s salon. So many great memories. Donna made everyone that she was with, feel very special. My Dad has a special place in his heart for Donna and her Monster Cookies!
We send you all, love and care as you make it through this sad time.
Lisa, Steve and Clayton Murphy. Sonya and Pat Walker
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Dale Howe We are so saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. Before our Mom Floss passed away in 2015 we were comforted and grateful that her neighbours Donna and Gary kept an eye on her for us. We enjoyed “catching up” with her while she did wonders with our hair. We were happy for Donna when she retired to enjoy her family. Gone too soon. Our sincerest condolences.
Dale, Diana and Barb (Ferguson sisters)
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Ron, Wende, Jen, and Brett Hinkelman Curtis and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of sweet Donna’s passing. Brett loved having her cut and colour his “spiked” hair way back in the day!!! She was always fun to be with at the boys hockey and baseball games! Donna was such a thoughtful, beautiful, and wonderful person. Our loving thoughts are with you all.
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H. Diane Felker To Gary and the Thornton family:
I am so sorry to hear you have lost our beautiful Donna. I watched her grow up,
she babysat for Chris and Valerie and did my hair for many years. It was always a
thrill to walk through her fabulous garden, and catch up on family news.
Take care and love each other as you go through life without her, Hugs, Diane Felker
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Lori Holroyd I was so very sad to hear of the loss of Donna. She was such a lovely, caring, and kind lady who will be deeply missed by so many. It feels like I’ve known Donna forever — from seeing her at basketball games, at the hair studio, or simply passing by and sharing a smile.
My deepest condolences to all of her family during this very difficult time. Please know you are in our thoughts and hearts.
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Christine Miller We are so sad to hear of Donna’s passing and are sending our sincerest condolences to all of Donna’s family. Donna was always friendly and had a cheery word for us all as she went on her daily walk by our house; she would stop and offer compliments on the yard work we were doing or just to give a friendly wave hello. We have lived in the same neiborhood and our children remember how kind and friendly she was.
Her laugh will be remembered by us all.
Thinking of you all in your time of loss.
Sincerely,
Christine,Emily,Natalie and Justin Miller
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Greg Stone Condolences to all the family. She will be greatly missed. Much love to you all.
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Arlene Leier and Les Timothy Condolences to all of Donna’s family. She was such a beautiful and kind lady.
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Kyla Lounsbury (Thornton) A beautiful person and family. Sending everyone our sincere condolences during this difficult time. May you feel the love and comfort of those around you.
Much Love
Brett and Kyla Lounsbury (Thornton)
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Colleen Ferguson We are so saddened to hear this news. Donna and I met when our children were in kindergarten I would help drive the kids to school and she would cut my hair in her laundry room. She was the best hairdresser and also a wonderful person. Always so welcoming and I always looked forward to my appointments. She loved all her family and adored her children and this was always apparent in our conversations. Please accept Rob and my heartfelt condolences.
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Tim and Marge Thornton We are also saddened to hear about your mom. Our prayers are with all of you always.
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Margaret Metcalfe I have such fond memories of our conversations and many laughs. One always felt happy in her presence and there was never a dull moment. Condolences to all her family.
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Mary Lou Moffat I have such wonderful memories of Donna as a friend and always looked forward to spending time together (she was the best hairdresser!) Her children were her pride and joy and it showed then as it does now what a great Mom she was.
My heart goes out to Angie, Leah and Curtis.
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Joan Lamb Donna was a beautiful and vibrant soul, generous and loving. She often brought meals to Dad during my Mum’s Alzheimer’s journey. When Dad died, it meant so much to me that she came to the house to do Mum’s hair for his memorial service. My deepest condolences to Gary, Angie, Leah, Curt and extended Thornton family. May cherished memories help you smile through the tears. With love.
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Gaile Smith and Frank Donna was such a beautiful person, inside and out. We shared many fun times in our childhood and she looked out for my mom in such a caring way. She was always a friend to all !
Our deepest condolences to the family! Hugs to all.
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Lori James Derry Donna was a true beauty, as her beauty shone from within… So sorry for your loss. Lori
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Sandi Lovas Thompson Godspeed Cousin Donna.This journey you have been on was a nightmare for you,Gary and your family. They never gave up on you. All of us cousins will help keep your memory.
Much love to all of your wonderful kids.
Cousin Sandi
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Jacquie Johnson My condolences to all of Donna’s family. Words can’t express the feeling of loss in her passing. She was always kind and had a caring and generous spirit. To Gary, Angie, Leah and Curtis – may you keep the good memories close.
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Blaise & Claire MacNeil Condolences to all her family and friends!
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Debbie Curtis Our hearts are with you all.
love, Tony & Debbie Curtis.
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Ian Matthews My sincere condolences to Gary Donna’s Children and the extended Thornton Family; Donna’s zest for life and laughter at the ready will be sorely missed; She was so good to everyone and her Family First attitude left in her good stead with of those who met her; God’s speed in the Days ahead ;
Ian Matthews
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Leslie & Larry Ange -Larry & I are thinking of you during this difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolences
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Kathleen Christensen Donna and I were 1st cousins, she was born in July, I was born in August of the same year. We grew up together as my Mom Barbara and her Mom Violet were inseparable and so were we.
As we grew older we had marriages and children and are lives were busy, but we never forgot our childhood and teenage memories! And they were epic!!! I am so sorry for all her children, and her sisters and brothers, especially Debbie who took great care of her in her later years! May God Bless you all
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Sandy McManus Sincere condolences to all! Donna was truly a ray of sunshine!! I used to look forward to my regularly scheduled hair appointments with her. We always joked about her being my therapist! Her love and devotion to her family always shon through!! May she rest in peace!
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Luanne Marchand When I think of Donna, I can still see her standing in her salon, scissors in hand, laughing as she worked. She always looked so put together, and there was such genuine warmth in the way she welcomed people through the door. Appointments with her were never just haircuts, they were conversations, stories, and small, thoughtful moments that always left me looking and feeling better.
I never did get any of her famous cookies, though Keith always seemed to leave with something sweet in hand. I’ve teased that she must have liked him better than me. That was Donna, generous, thoughtful, and always making people feel special in her own quiet way.
Her spirit was strong and steady, and I know that strength will live on in Angela, Leah, and Curtis, and in her granddaughters as they grow up hearing stories about their Nanny. She poured so much of herself into her family. That love doesn’t disappear, it carries on in your memories, in your laughter, and in the way you care for one another. What a beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
I always thought of Donna as my sister-in-law in every way that mattered, even if not by title. I will miss her deeply and will think of her often.
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Keith Watson My heart goes out to all the family. Donna was a kind and caring lady, and her legacy of family is a clear testament to the beautiful person she was. Much love to all.
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Bill MacPherson Debbie. I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing, I remember her great smile and contagious laugh. Please accept my condolences.
I’m thinking of all of Donna’s loved ones at this sad time. I remember Donna from her early teenage years as a friend of her sister, Debbie.
I think of Donna as “full of life” & laughter & know she had fully embraced it all!
I know it has been a difficult few years for her & her family but am glad that Donna is finally at peace now. In this raw time of grief it may be hard to imagine but memories of her special influence & interactions with each of you will persist always & the recent tough memories will fade to be replaced by the multitude of happier times & memories that you shared. These will always be a great comfort and can’t be taken away.
Sending loving condolences to you all