On Wednesday, June 22, 2016, Donna Margaret Hooper, aged 52 years, passed away with peace and grace with her family at her side. Donna will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert Dodds of 21 years and their dear children, Peter and Emily; her mother, Margaret (Pat) Hooper; her sister, Susan; and her brother, Glenn (Rachel) Hooper. Donna will also be forever remembered by her nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.
Donna was born in Calgary, Alberta on January 30th, 1964 and was educated at Queen Elizabeth Elementary, Junior and Senior Schools from 1970-1982 where she was the Valedictorian. She graduated from the Foothills Hospital Nursing School in June 1986 and later received her Bachelor’s in Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta. Having spent some time traveling around northern Alberta, Donna felt the urge for more and joined the Canadian Forces in 1987 as a Nursing Officer. Her postings included Gagetown, New Brunswick and Edmonton Alberta. The highlight of her military career was her deployment to Saudi Arabia in 1991 as part of the Canadian Field Hospital during the Persian Gulf War.
Prior to her illness, Donna was employed as a Team Leader/Case Manager for the Canadian Forces Health Service Centre (Pacific) in Victoria, British Columbia where she was instrumental in easing the transition of many service members releasing from the military.
Donna was a big fan of Facebook which allowed her the opportunity to stay connected with family and friends across Canada. She was always up for a good chat and ready to lend a hand when needed, a good friend and mother who will be deeply missed.
Thank you to Doctors Braithwaite, Belgaumkar and Saiger for their compassionate care as well as the amazing nurses at the Victoria Hospice. Also, thanks to the great caregivers of the Sidney Seniors Care.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 17 at 1:00 p.m., at the Naden Wardroom, CFB Esquimalt, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial tribute in memory of Donna may be made directly to the Victoria Hospice, Canadian Red Cross or the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
30 Responses
Rob, we were saddened to learn of Donna’s passing. Our sympathy goes out to you and Peter and Emily
With our love to each of you, Uncle Andrew & Aunt Eleanor
Rob and family, we were so sorry to hear about Donna. Our heartfelt thoughts are with you.
Our heartfelt condolences to Rob, Peter and Emily. Donna made the world a better place.
Rob, Peter & Emily
Sincerest condolences to all of you. May you find strength in each other.
Carol & Jack
Dear Rob & family,
I want you to know how grateful I feel to have been Donna’s friend throughout the years. Ken & I actually met Donna in Edmonton prior to Rob becoming the “love of her life”. I have so many great memories of Donna. My absolute favourite was at her wedding to Rob. At the end of the traditional speeches,Donna stood up and proceeded to clarify that although her husband Rob was a 2PPCLI Infantry Officer, trained to fight in combat, she was the one who actually went to war not him. Donna’s oration was an awesome sight to behold and the reaction on the faces of the many member’s from 2PPCLI was priceless. We were fortunate to be living in Winnipeg when Peter was born and then again when Emily was born. Over the years, life’s milestones and visits were captured in photos and shared by all. So it is with great sorrow that I must acknowledge that my good friend Donna has passed. We will miss her dearly. I do believe Donna’s spirit will walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Rob, Emily, Peter, we look forward to your next visit with us. May you and your family members find comfort in knowing our deepest sympathy is with all of you. Love Melanie (Ret’d Major) and Ken Stewart of Winnipeg, MB
Donna and I served together in the Gulf War and we discussed some of life’s big questions. She wasn’t sure she would find the right guy to marry, but if she did, she would marry him and have a boy, then a girl. Rob, Peter and Emily, you were her dream come to life. My deepest condolences to your family.
I am so sorry that this wonderful spirit has passed from our world. My deepest condolences to her family.
I was very sad to see of Donna’s passing. She had so much life ahead that should have been hers. I have reflect fondly to our past. Pat, Susan and Glenn may you be at peace with fond memories of Donna.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your wife, mother, daughter and friend. I am glad I knew Donna and I shall never forget her. Good memories of Donna are a wonderful legacy.
May the memories of Donna stay in our hearts forever. Words cannot express my sorrow. my thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.