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
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.
Condolences to all her family and friends!
Our hearts are with you all.
love, Tony & Debbie Curtis.
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
Ange -Larry & I are thinking of you during this difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolences
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
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!
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.
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.
Debbie. I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing, I remember her great smile and contagious laugh. Please accept my condolences.