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Donna Davidson

Image by Nick Andréka

DONNA DAVIDSON

(née Melvin)

December 29, 1944 – May 10, 2020

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.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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chris hague

June 1, 2022 at 10:53 PM

My fondest memories of our posting to BFC Valcartier in the 1970's are of Donna and George Davidson. I came across the Memorial for George quite by chance today and the years flew by as I thought of the two of them when they were expecting their firstborn. Now, don't tell me that wee babe is now this handsome son in this video! There were two Murrays born that year - both great delights. The years go by... time and distance separate us but.... the wonderful memories live on. Blessings to the family - Pastor chris hague, Sussex Corner, NB ❤

Jim and Barbara Dawe

September 23, 2020 at 11:20 PM

we are very, very sorry to hear that Donna passed away. A great loss to her loved ones and those who were lucky enough to know her. She was an amazing person....so warm and giving. And unforgettable. We last saw Donna and George in the Prague airport.  We had not seen them for a long time prior to this accidental meeting..  jim and I send our deepest sympathy to George and the family.. Jim and Barb Dawe

Melissa Kucheran-Wolke

September 2, 2020 at 10:16 PM

Her and her husband were patients of the doctor I worked for. They were both such nice people. I was saddened to learn of her passing. Much love to the family.

Sandra I. Madder

June 8, 2020 at 7:08 PM

I was privileged to know she and George and to accompany them on many Rostad tours.  They were excellent hosts and always great fun to be with.  It was a joy to know Donna.  She and I had many great conversations on the tour bus together with unending topics.   She expressed to me her great love for George. But he had to pass a test.   "Could he preach ?"    Obviously, indeed, he could. Great love to her family,

Andrea Stevens

June 4, 2020 at 5:18 PM

What a beautiful tribute!  Thank you for sharing. How time flies by so fast. Rest well, Mrs. D.  With much love ❤

Darcy Manness

June 2, 2020 at 8:12 PM

My most heartfelt and deepest condolences on your loss. I met Donna 2 years ago as a volunteer companion. She was such a lovely lady, full of spirit and joy, caring, compassionate and always ready and willing to help. We spent many hours together, talking, singing, reminiscing and always, laughing!!!  We went shopping together and I will never forget the joy it brought her to be in a store, to touch things, to speak to the clerks, to find joy in living!! And Donna could always find the positiveness  of Life. She brought such happiness into my world and I am only sorry I knew her for such a short time. But upon reflection, our acquaintance may have been brief, but she has left me with a lasting memory of her beautiful spirit. God now cradles her in His arms. 

June 1, 2020 at 2:06 PM

Donna and George were our neighbors for many wonderful years! We couldn't wait till summer arrived and we could have our wine and cheese parties together. Donna was kind, intelligent, funny and we enjoyed our daily visits. She loved it so much when we would bring over food! They were our guinea pigs and she was always so thankful that that meant she didnt have to cook! You were the best Donna! We will never forget. Heaven has gained a wonderful new angel❤ Kelly and Frazer

Nancy Morris

May 31, 2020 at 4:16 PM

I remember Donna as a person who always threw herself into everything with all her energy. She always had wonderful stories for the Childrens' times at Church. One thing she did that really amazed me was to replace all the flooring in their home HERSELF. Down on her hands and knees, she installed the interlocking floors which was a big job for trained workers to do and she made a wonderful addition to their home. When we travelled on the group tours, she was very diligent in Egypt about caring for the group and where we ate, concerned that the food and venue might not be sanitary enough. We always had fun with her.

Doreen Barton

May 31, 2020 at 4:13 PM

I always loved her enthusiasm for music. Donna led the Junior Choir at Charleswood United for some years, and I worked with her on that as well as many other things. Donna and George were tour guides on a trip to Israel in 1998. Donna left her shirts on the dresser when she was packing, so she wore the same bright yellow cotton shirt every day. We could always easily find her. And she and George kept us laughing. She was well loved. 

Margaret Mills

May 30, 2020 at 6:42 PM

Donna was such fun to be with, especially over those years when we worked together on the Dinner Theatre. She simply loved all aspects of that group and the people in it. As we worked together on sets each year we got to know each other well. It was always great to see how much she enjoyed the costumes Jackie and I created for her and how enthusiastically she threw herself into each role. I think her favourite was "Rhoda Steed", the dishevelled farmhand in the play  "Taming the West in a Dress", when she transformed into a glamorous cowgirl in satin and fringe, and of course sang in that beautiful voice. Her talent at teaching and entertaining the children in the 2 Sunday Schools was a real gift to the congregations and will not be forgotten. Til we meet again, Much Love, Margaret Mills

Ingrid Pottkamper

May 30, 2020 at 6:10 PM

Will never forget her wonderful personality, humour and singing voice which she shared so willingly!  Loved our times with her while on the Rostad Tours!❤❤  Best wishes to you Laurie and to Murray also!  Loved the Photo-biography you put together Laurie!

Rev. Gordon Shields

May 30, 2020 at 6:01 PM

Sincerest condolences and prayers to George and the family-Losing a soul-mate is difficult, and I hope the family will find comfort in God's promise of Eternal Life. May Donna Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory-Rev. Gordon Shields+❤

Tamara

May 30, 2020 at 5:05 PM

She was a wonderful loving woman with a great sense of humour who was never offended when I’d ask her  “Is that your natural hair colour?” Love you  ❤

Darlene Diehl

May 30, 2020 at 3:33 PM

Condolences to the family.  She was a beautiful lady with the smile that would light up a room.  When I worked at Cedar house and she lived there it was always great coming into work and be greeted by her smile and laughter.  She told many stories to the other residents and when we had singing in the courtyard Donna was always ready to sing and lead the others she loved doing antics to the song She’ll be coming around the mountain.  She was a great entertainer for the residents.  She is one of those people you never will forget.   She will be missed by many.  Love Darlene
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