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
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32 Responses
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
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.