JENNISON, DONNA HARRIETTE
1943 - 2014
After a thankfully short, but
nevertheless heart wrenching and intense battle with cancer and subsequently pneumonia, Donna Jennison, resilient, strong, and independent until the very end, passed away on Saturday October 4, 2014 at the age of 71. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Harriet, sisters Vera, Bernice, Doreen, Joyce and her brother Wayne. Donna was born in Killarney Manitoba on August 15, 1943 and grew up on the family farm in Mather before marrying Doug, of
neighboring Cartwright in 1962. Soon after their wedding, their son Kirk was born and a few years later they braved the Rocky Mountains and moved to Kelowna BC. Once in BC, Donna continued her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse before becoming the “warden of the screen department” at NAP. Doug and Donna continued to do screens throughout their retirement under the business name DJ’s Screens. Donna boasts the unusual
accomplishment of essentially having “two only children” as her daughter Melinda did not join the family until 16 years after Kirk, leaving Donna to balance both a newborn and a teenager while her friends were beginning to become empty-nesters. Throughout her entire life, Donna loved nothing more than being surrounded by family and friends, love and laughter. Inevitably, wherever Donna was, a story was soon to follow. She adored being in the outdoors and was an avid camper, fisher and quadder and often said she was “sorting her life out” while having a drink by the fire. Donna also kept a
suitcase packed at all times, so that she was ready in the off chance that someone suggested going to the States. Donna had a work ethic and willingness to help others that was unrivalled. Everyone who knew Donna in any capacity knew her as a woman who loved to laugh and to socialize and who always put everyone else’s needs, however minor,
before her own. Donna is lovingly survived and will be greatly missed by her husband Doug, son Kirk (Tina), granddaughter Britney (Glenn), daughter Melinda (Myles), grandson Kendon and granddaughter Kaelin, as well as sisters Grace and Sharon, sister-in-laws Bette, Louise, Donna and brother-in-law Bob.
A celebration of life service to remember Donna will be held at the Kelowna Community Church – Kelowna Salvation Army (1480 Sutherland) on Saturday October 11, 2014 at 11 am. A “happy hour” will begin at Duffers at Mission Creek Golf Course on KLO at 2 pm with glasses being raised in a “toast of remembrance” of Donna at 3 pm.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations are made to the Canadian Cancer Foundation, 1633 Pandosy Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 1P6 or that since Donna was an avid gardener, that a favorite plant or flower is dedicated to her memory.
“From our hands into our hearts – forever and always”
Condolences may be made to the family at
www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com
Arrangements entrusted to VALLEYVIEW FUNERAL HOME, honored provider of
Dignity Memorial. (250) 765-3147.