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Donna Whannock

Image by Nick Andréka

DONNA WHANNOCK

(née WHONNOCK)

July 8, 1952 - July 1, 2022

Donna Whannock died on July 1, 2022 at the Riverview Health Center after a battle with cancer.

 

Donna Whonnock was born to Maxwell Whonnock and Alice Whonnock (née Seaweed) on July 8, 1952 in Alert Bay, BC. She was named Donna May for the nurse that delivered her. Donna recalled loving siblings that carried her and laughingly ran with her in their arms. She recalled sad times and silence when the boys went away to residential school. She shared early memories of a fire and a scary boat trip to Campbell River, BC, to stay with aunty Bessie and Jim King.

 

Life is never easy, and after several years Donna was taken back by her mother and father and brought to Squamish, BC, where she spent her teen years with Sam and Sadie Baker, and was reunited with her sister Emma and brother Charlie. The early death of her parents allowed her to visit Alert Bay once again and to know cousins Pinky and Peggy, who welcomed her home.

 

As an adult, leaving Squamish, Donna worked as a chambermaid, a flagger, fish processor at a cannery, flyer delivery person, and she took part in many educational opportunities which included practicum experiences in offices around Vancouver.

 

Donna bore three children, Lola, Shawn and Hannah. She married Anders Halsingdal and lived for a time in Squamish once again. Childhood friendships flourished and Donna maintained contact with Sam and Sadie and felt the joy of being with her niece Lorinda, whenever she could. But the marriage did not flourish, and Donna left to live in Vancouver, once again.

 

In Vancouver, Donna worked hard to find work and affordable housing. Life was not easy. Andy came and brought Hannah home to Squamish after a time of struggle and challenges. Donna struggled to find a home and survive through the many hardships of being a single mom and Indigenous in an unwelcoming city. Eventually Lola and Shawn ended up in foster care and Donna spent many years challenged to deal with substance abuse and homelessness.

 

20 years ago, in November, Donna was able to get clean and sober, she found Tsow-tem-le-lum, a recovery and healing centre, and had the opportunity to take part in a six-week program. When she had finished that program, she was lucky enough to find housing support and eventually a place in subsidized housing.

 

Donna was able to reconnect with family and rebuild. Donna enjoyed many years at this building, gardening, volunteering, making friends, and having wonderful visits with her grandchildren:  Britt, Jesse, Eddie, Tarquin, Quoia and Henry.

 

In 2016, Donna moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba to have more time and some care support with her daughter Lola. In 2019, mom became a regular volunteer with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and she achieved her goal of graduating from high school. The pandemic was hard on all of us, but particularly the gregarious and friendly Donna Whonnock. 2021 included two surgeries and a diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer.

 

Donna was a fighter. She took every action she could to counter the cancer. She suffered a lot of pain and got weaker and weaker throughout 2022. The highlight of this time was having a visit with her daughter Hannah and her niece Lorinda in February.

 

Donna Whonnock died on July 1, 2022 at Riverview Health Center.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, Alice and Maxwell, her brothers: Bobby, Max, Reuben, Phillip, Charlie, Royal, her sisters Ada and Emma, her niece Catherine, and nephew Max. Donna is survived by her brother George, her children, Lola, Shawn and Hannah, her nieces and nephews, Anita, Mary, Tracy, John, Linda, Lorinda, Scarlett, Josephine, her grandchildren, Britt, Jessie, Eddie, Henry, Tarquin and Quoia, as well as one great grandson, Charles.

 

A ceremony in her honour will take place in September and a return home to Alert Bay for a funeral and to spread her ashes will happen in November.

 

Donna Whonnock was a lifelong volunteer and supporter of community-based work. Should you wish to make a donation in her name, think Indigenous and give to an organization that supports Truth and Reconciliation.

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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Lita Fontaine

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Rest in Power❤

Isabel

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

A beautiful tribute to an amazing, loving amd resilient individual ❤️  My sincerest condolences to all who knew, loved and cherished Donna. May she journey well! 

Edward Cloud

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

It has been my honour to know, love, and care for Donna.  My life is enriched, and I will carry her memory. 

Leo

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I first met Donna 23 years ago. It was when she was in low cost living arrangements and she was having trouble with drugs and alcohol.  1999 is when she lived with Lola or stayed with while she was doing her Master's Degree. That year she started her sober journey.  I always like a Donna. She had a great sense of humor and laughed hard. Always stopping herself from laughing too loudly. I always said to her. Let yourself laugh without remorse. It's good to laugh and she had a great laugh. She was a kind hearted lady.  After her daughter and I split. The connection with her disappeared.  I wish I kept that as I enjoyed her company.  Sorry she had hard times these past couple of years.  But she's no longer in pain and condolences to her family.  I will miss her as well.  Sincerely,  An ex son in law.  

Marilyn

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Donna shared her beautiful spirit with the world in a gentle way.  I will miss her.

Taylor Medeiros

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Wonderful tribute of life, Donna will be missed by many. ❤

Terri

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

          🧡  🫂  🧡  Prayerful thoughts to you     and yours  My deepest sympathies   and condolences  ❤❤❤❤

Jennifer Lamoureux

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Donna helped to create regalia for our pow wow club at Finney school. Children were able to enter the pow wow circle proudly thanks to Donna. ❤

Sally Papso

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I met Donna through her daughter Lola. Lola and I sang in the same choir. Donna would often come to practice with Lola. She loved to hear us sing. I grew up on Vancouver Island and Donna and I had some wonderful conversations talking about all the same places we both knew. We managed to connect somewhat through covid via zoom and phone but I think we both.got tired of the whole covid thing and it became harder and harder to stay connected. I regret the terribly. I will remember Donna for her beautiful smile and her smilely eyes and all the stories we shared about the Island and Vancouver. She was such a bright light and had such a loving heart. It hurts my heart that there was so much unfairness and hardship in her life. Love Out Loud Donna, I hear you. Love Sally
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