
Donna Emek

In Loving Memory of
(VIVIAN) DONNA EMEK
(née Wakin)
April 9, 1958 – September 23, 2026
Donna Emek passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Donna fought an incredibly courageous battle with recurrent breast cancer for the past seven years and never once complained or gave up the fight. It was only three months ago that Donna completed the CancerCare Manitoba Challenge for Life 5km walk alongside her family and friends.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband and life partner of over 46 years, Ross; her mother, Jean, her children, Brett (Ashley), and Shauna (Nicholas); her beloved grandchildren, Alexandra, Catherine, Elizabeth, Parker and Maisie; her brother, Greg (Darlene) and sister, Cora (Dennis), brothers-in-law Doug (Bev) and Marsh, and sister-in-law, Loree, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Donna was predeceased by her father Eniko, mother and father-in-law, Margaret and Victor, as well as her brother-in-law, Gord.
Born in Uranium City, Saskatchewan, on April 9, 1958, Donna grew up in Winnipeg and Lockport, Manitoba, attending Lord Roberts School, St. Andrews Elementary, and Westwood Collegiate before completing the Computer Analyst Programmer course at Red River Community College in 1979. It was during these years that she met the love of her life, Ross. They were married on June 28, 1980, beginning a wonderful journey together filled with laughter, adventure, and mutual devotion lasting over 46 years.
Donna spent over three decades working as an IT professional at Great-West Life in the Investment Division, where she made lifelong friendships and built a career marked by dedication and leadership.
Above all, Donna’s heart belonged to her family. She was a deeply devoted mother to her children and granddaughters. Her home was always filled with warmth, home-baked treats, handcrafted quilts, and special traditions, including the fancy dinners she loved hosting for her granddaughters.
An avid traveller, creative spirit, and art collector, Donna loved exploring the world—from African safaris and Caribbean cruises to European adventures and family trips across North America. At home, she found joy in cooking, baking, knitting, sewing, quilting, gardening, and volunteering with the Canada Life Art Committee.
Donna leaves behind a legacy of generosity, love, and cherished memories. She will be profoundly missed by her mother, husband Ross, her children, granddaughters, siblings, extended family, and many dear friends. Special thanks to her close friends, Donna M, Angie and Lee, who were with her through thick and thin, supporting her throughout her journey.
Donna’s family would like to thank all the wonderful healthcare providers over the past seven years - Dr. Harris, Dr. Cooke, Dr. Desautels and Dr. Fatoye, along with numerous nurses and support staff at GGH, VGH and HSC, and most recently the Palliative Care team.
The family encourages the sharing of stories, memories and condolences by using the comment section on this tribute page.
Service Details:
A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Monday, November 2nd at 2:00pm at 603 Wellington Crescent (Unitarian Facility), Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Donations:
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Donna’s memory to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"
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20 Comments
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Jeff Warkentin
October 5, 2026 at 11:18 AM
I have had the privilege of being an advisor to Donna and Ross for the better part of 25 years. In that time, I really appreciated our interactions together. To me, time with Donna and Ross was more than just about business, I felt that we enjoyed each other's company. Donna's passion for life and her family were very much evident, their devotion to each other was unmistakeable. My prayers go out to Donna's entire family during this difficult time, she will be truly missed.

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Brad Kerslake
October 5, 2026 at 8:19 AM
Ross, sincere sympathies to you and your family. I worked very closely with Donna for many years on a number of projects through my entire career in the Investment Division. She provided outstanding support to our Divisional systems. Her passion and dedication to her work was unmatched. As you know better than anyone, the world just lost a great one.. Take care

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Susan Stephens (Weiss)
October 3, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Ross, I'm so sorry to come across this obituary. I remember our exchange shorty after her diagnoses. I'm sad to know that damn disease took another beautiful soul. My most sincere condolences To you and your family.

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Heather Frame
October 3, 2026 at 6:22 PM
My condolences to all of Donna's family, may your memories of her love help sustain you through your loss

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Larry Worobey
October 3, 2026 at 11:23 AM
My deepest condolences to Ross and your family. I will always remember Donna for her joyful smile

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Sue Bosc
October 3, 2026 at 10:20 AM
my condolences to Ross and all your family on the loss of Donna. I just lost my husband in July so u derstand what you are going through. Sending lots of love and hugs. She was a gentle soul!

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Don
October 3, 2026 at 10:13 AM
I had the pleasure of working with Donna for 10 years and am saddened by her passing. She was a smart and very principled person who cared about those around her. My condolences to the Emek family. She will be greatly missed.

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Leslie Manness
October 3, 2026 at 10:04 AM
I am so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. She was such a lovely woman, compassionate, funny, intelligent and always with that smile. I worked with Donna at Motor Coach Industries many, many years ago. I think it might have been her first job. She was a wonderful addition to our team. I was privileged to attend her wedding to Ross and we kept in touch for a number of years.
Rest in peace Donna.

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Rene Jamieson
October 3, 2026 at 7:10 AM
I knew the Emek family when we were all members at the former Anglican Parish of St. Patrick and St. Jude, My prayers are with Ross and his children and grandchildren, and the extended Emek/Wakin families. Donna was one-of-a-kind, with emphasis on the 'kind'. She was also loving, compassionate and committed -to her family, her friends and her faith, Rest in peace until you rise in glory, Donna.

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Philip Townsend
October 3, 2026 at 6:48 AM
Ross and family, I am very, very sorry about the loss of Donna. I only met Donna a few times and she was such a nice person. It sounds like you have lots of great memories to sustain you, but the loss is and will be hard. Take care of each other as Donna would want you to do.

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Patti and Rick Gilhuly
October 2, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Rick worked first with Ross in Group at GWL ..then moved to investment division and worked with Donna. Enjoyed both experiences. Such a lovely couple condolences to all who knew and loved her.

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Don and Doreen Phimister
September 30, 2026 at 9:33 PM
Lovely photo collage of Donna and your family. We are very sorry to hear this news and are thinking of you. See you in November.

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Tom from Corporate Systems GWL
September 30, 2026 at 9:31 PM
I and many others will be reflecting on Donna's insightful and no-nonsense influence at work. During London Life integration I have fond memories of discovering the first evidence of tangible system documentation for a disbursement system that touched on INVS data, at about 6 pm at night as I was reading a document that Donna was printing off for herself on a local printer! That was one of my first impressions of how deeply and well she could dig into her job, and it always stuck with me. Rest in peace.



Linda & Carl Korchynski
September 30, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Our Deepest Sympathy to Ross and family, Jennie and families. I am Donna's cousin and she would come to our farm to visit me when she was visiting her Baba and Gido down the road from our place. We had so much fun together. I also visited her in Winnipeg when we were single. We used to shop at polo park and had many laughs. She was bridesmaid for me as well. May Donna rest in peace! So very sorry to hear of her passing.

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Sandra Bencharski (GWL)
September 30, 2026 at 4:50 PM
So sorry to hear that Donna has passed. I always enjoyed any time we chatted. A wonderful warm person. Rest in peace Donna. Condolences to you and your beautiful family, Ross. I hope your treasured memories bring you peace and comfort. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

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Lynn & Dale Checkley GWL
September 30, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Heartfelt thoughts to Family Emek. A touching tribute to Donna and will forever remember her warm smile & chats at GWL. May your many memories bring you comfort.

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Sue Nicholson
September 30, 2026 at 11:49 AM
What a beautiful photo biography documenting your special moments of your life with Donna. I remember her beautiful big smile. Cherish all those special times and memories and keep the,m close. She will truly be miss. Our deepest sympathies to you Ross and your extended family.
Sue Nicholson & Ron Schirlie
Friends and co-workers from GWL

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Carol Bartmanovich
September 29, 2026 at 9:58 PM
I worked with Donna at GWL investment in the 80's. Lovely woman. Condolences to her family. Cherish your memories.

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Michael+ Anna Vendramelli
September 29, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Condolences to all the family

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Norma and Timothy McDonald
September 29, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Our deepest sympathy to Ross and family and to my dear friend
Jean her Mother.
Donna was a beautiful person inside and out we were privileged to have known her.. Norma and Timothy McDonald

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