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 and family: Donna was an exceptional human being and a remarkable officer in our Canadian Armed Forces. I remember Donna’s professionalism every time we had contact in my role as Commanding Officer of MARPAC/JTFP Headquarters and I recall on many occasions the accolades that my staff offered regarding Donna’s expertise and compassion for those serving, and especially for those ill and injured members of our Forces who needed advocacy: Donna offered that ‘voice’ for those who could not articulate their needs. She set the standard high in serving others before self, for which we are eternally grateful.
Beyond Donna’s unwavering service to Canada, she is above all a wife, mom, daughter and friend to those who know her. I stand with your family and friends in tremendous sorrow over your loss and will hold you and the family up in prayer and in my thoughts. Hold on to each other and remain strong,
Mary-Ellen
Mary-Ellen Clark Captain(N) (Retired)
The beautiful heart and soul of someone that touches another is a blessed gift that can never be forgotten. Sending all who have been touched, lots of healing and love.
There will be times that you get an overwhelming feeling that blankets your heart with sobs and tears flowing relentlessly, and your initial reaction is to want this feeling to go away…but it is within these moments of grief that your loved one is hugging you, so instead of wishing it away…embrace these moments of love.
“A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.”
Rob, Peter and Emily: If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I’d walk right up to heaven and bring Donna home again.
MUDDER-IN-LAW/GRAMMA PADDY
Donna will always be in our hearts and we will miss her dearly. She was the sweetest, kindest, funniest, smartest, and passionate woman we have ever met. She was a dear friend and college and was selfless in her life’s endeavours. She was a great mother to her children Miss Em and Peter; and a wonderful wife to Rob. We will miss her always and always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Rob, Peter and Emily,
On behalf of the National Case Management Program,Hélène, Anna and Elaine wish to extend our sincere condolences. Donna will be missed. As our Team Leader in the west, Donna dedicated her professional life to improving nurse case management practices and the quality of care we provide to our Military Members. She never gave less than 200% of herself. But more than that, what we will remember most is the way her eyes lit up when she spoke about her family. Her pride was remarkable as was her humility in this regard. We are very sorry for your loss.
Dear Rob, it is with great regret that we have learned of Donna’s passing. On behalf of the Joint Personnel Support Unit team members, please accept our deepest condolences. Donna will be missed as she was a key member of our organisation. Her compassion and support to the ill and injured members was commendable. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult period.
This is such sad news. Donna gave so much of herself, she was very compassionate and deeply caring. When my late husband was diagnosed with Mesothelioma while still in the Navy, she was there for us, every step of the way. She was instrumental in my husband’s care, and supported us through this very difficult time. Even afterwords she was there for me, words of encouragement, and hugs. I can not thank her enough for what she did for us and many others.
Donna was a very special person, she was one of God’s Angels. Rest in peace sweet lady.
So very sorry to see this. Donna was outstanding in every aspect. I truly respected her and offer my most deepest of condolences.
Bruce Stauffer
Our condolences. Donna was very helpful during my transition out of the Forces and I will alway remember her empathy and commitment. Thank you Donna.