Our “Sweet and Petite” Donna passed gently into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. She was born in Cayuga, a small town in southern Ontario to Fred and Jessie Baird, and moved to Victoria when she was about five years old. She is survived by her husband Phil, son John and sister Betty Baird. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, and friends, especially Judi Fletcher, her long-time and special friend and card partner saddened but thankful to have shared in her life. On graduating from the Commerce program at Vic High, she accepted her first job at Royal Trust as a stenographer, where she remained for 10 years.
Donna was very active in the community over the years. As a child and teenager, she and her sister learned to dance (tap and ballet) with Florence Clough and participated in many dance reviews. As a member of the Victoria Girls Drill Team, she rose through the ranks and was involved with teaching new members the skills and routines used in parade performance. Donna’s life was filled with music both at her church and with the UVic Chorus for over 30 years. In addition, she and Phil helped chaperon members of the Oak Bay High School band program as they travelled in Canada, the U.S, and Japan. At first, a reluctant camper, she got to love it and looked forward to our trips in the summer exploring the Island, Rockies, most of the Western U.S., and especially our Cross-Canada trip. However, for those of us who knew her well, or just in passing, it was her kind and caring ways that endeared her to us. We were pleased to call her Sweetheart, Mom, Sister, Auntie, or Friend. You will be in our hearts forever. Bless you and thank you for your unending love for all of us.
A very special thanks to the Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, and staff at RJH for the kind and thoughtful ways shown to Donna, Phil, and John during this most difficult time.
There will be no service due to COVID.
Anyone wishing to leave a message for the family may do so at www.mccallgardens.com or if desired make a contribution to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, Wilson Block, 1952 Bay St., V8R 1J8 https://www.victoriahf.ca/
16 Responses
It is with great sadness that we heard about Donna’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and John as you grieve.
Luigi and Louise Peluso
Dear Phil and John,
No words can express the deep sadness I feel with Donna’s passing. I have wonderful memories of the time we spent together when I visited in 1998. Sadly due to age and the length of travel we did not meet again, but enjoyed many telephone conversations. Donna was one in a million, a very special person, God Bless you, you are now at peace.
Cousin Marjorie – England
Phil and John, I offer my sincere condolences on your loss. you are very much in my thoughts now. Lou
Phil & John, we are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
It is with deep regret that we respond to the news of Donna’s passing. She was a lovely, warm person who put people at ease. We enjoyed hearing her participate with the Victoria Symphony in performances of choral masterpieces. We offer our sincere condolences to Phil and John.
Don and Marlene
I was saddened to hear of Donna’s (Mrs. Garsides’s) passing. She was such a kind and thoughtful person, who always had a warm smile. After I moved away from Victoria she kept in touch, even sending cards and balloons for my daughters’ birthdays. She will be missed. My thoughts are with you.
Andrea