Dona Adaline Devine (nee Peterson) was born on July 10, 1927 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Dona was an extraordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life full of many changes and adventures. She was the 9th of 11 children born to her Icelandic parents, Ben and Ranka Peterson. Her older sisters were either talented cooks, seamstresses or athletes so Dona chose a different path – music and drama. Music became a lifelong passion. Dona joined her first choir at a very early age and continued her chorale work until her 90th year. Dona met the love of her life, Jack Devine, a budding geologist, when she was 17 years old. Jack’s geology career began in Edmonton, Alberta where all of their 5 children were born. Shortly thereafter a whirlwind of moves began – Edmonton-Calgary-Dawson Creek-Dhahran, Saudi Arabia-Edmonton-Calgary-Tripoli, Libya-Dhahran-Dubai-and finally Victoria to retire in the mid 1990’s.
Traveling to the Middle East with 5 kids in tow in the late 1960’s caused some to remark -” You must be utterly mad!” and others to exclaim “They must have really wanted Jack because no one hires someone with 5 children!!” But all of those moves were where the fun began for Dona. She adapted to her new environments with ease, re-inventing herself over the years as a teacher, television show creator, tour guide, massage therapist, art and textile expert, and -last but not least – a water aerobics instructor extolling the virtues of exercise to any and all who would listen. We have many fond memories of Dona teaching water aerobics in her backyard pool with “the girls”, everyone laughing while she bossed them around, convincing them to do the craziest things.
Dona enjoyed meeting new people from all walks of life -” Everyone has a story!” and she loved hearing them all. Her greatest love, however, was for her family – her husband, children and her 14 grandchildren whom she thought without exception were truly brilliant. Her and Jack’s greatest success was to somehow, in all of the chaos, create a family environment where everyone loves each other and wants to be together. The bonds are tight, the ties run deep. “We are lucky ducks!” Dona lived her life on her terms much like the Queen – never complain, never explain! Her motto in life – “You’ve gotta keep rocking!!” We chuckle to think of poor old St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, who we can only assume has completely lost control upon her arrival.
Our family is forever indebted to Erma, Mohammed, Gigi and Beth who cared for Dona and Jack with such love and devotion which allowed them both to remain in their own home. A remarkable feat especially in these trying times. We would also like to thank Dr. Dowler who met the force that was Dona with good humour and equanimity, and her “Swim Group Girls” who continued to visit and cheer her on. Dona is predeceased by her daughter Barbara and her husband Jack. She is survived by her children Rick (Barbara), Pete (Laura), Wendy (Brian), Jeff (Rita), her 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Dona truly “lived well, laughed often and loved much”. She will be missed.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Dona Adaline Devine nee Peterson July 10 1927 October 6 2021..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Décès pour la Ville: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique