On Sunday, May 10, 2020, in the Deer Lodge Centre, our mother, Donna Jean Davidson passed away at the age of 76 years.

 

Donna was born December 29, 1944 in Truro, Nova Scotia, but spent her childhood in St. John's New Brunswick.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, and is survived by her husband the Reverend George Davidson; son Murray Davidson; daughter Laurie Dixon (née Davidson) and her husband Shannon; grandchildren Hannah and Colter Dixon; sisters Rosalie Green, Susan Clements; brothers Michael and Shane Melvin; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother Clara Melvin (née William's); father Murray Melvin; and brother John Melvin.

 

Donna began her career as an elementary school teacher, but after marrying George, she turned her talents with teaching and music to helping George with his ministry.  Together they made ministry their shared career and travelled all over the world as George was a Chaplain with the Canadian Armed Forces.  Eventually they were posted to Winnipeg, and when George retired from the military in 1995, they decided to make Winnipeg their permanent home. 

 

After retiring from the military, George and Donna embarked on ministry with the St Charles Headingley pastoral charge for the United Church of Canada which lasted from 1995 to George's retirement in 2013.  While in Headingley, Donna became happily involved in all aspects of the church, including the Headingley United Church Dinner Theatre using her considerable musical talents and wonderful singing voice to add to the success of those years.  

 

Over the course of several years, through Rostaad Tours, George and Donna led tour groups to many countries including Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and Russia.  Congregation members especially, enjoyed the Biblical Lands tour interpretations. Donna's contributions on those trips included "bringing up the rear", making sure that no one was left behind, and sharing her singing talents and unfailing humour which kept everyone entertained on the long bus rides.

 

Donna was an enthusiastic volunteer in making a difference in people's lives, devoting many years as a leader to Meals on Wheels in Winnipeg, volunteering at the Food Bank, and many other organizations.  

 

Anyone who knew Donna would know that she loved to collect angels.  At the last count she had over 1,000 angels of every kind; figurines, drawings, pendants, soaps - if it had an angel on it, she would want it.  It brings comfort to her family to know that she is now herself an angel.  Donna was loved by anyone who met her and has forged lasting friendships all over the world.  She will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

 

In keeping with Donna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private celebration of her life will be held when it is possible to gather. In the meantime, Donna’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos and/or sharing your own memories and stories using the comment section on this page.