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 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.
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.
Sending my deepest sympathy to ALL the family.
Rest in peace my sweet cousin. Heaven just gained
another Angel❤️
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
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)
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.
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
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.
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
Condolences to all the family. She will be greatly missed. Much love to you all.