McShane, Donna Lynn (nee MacPherson)
1958-2021
On Saturday, August 14, at Kemptville District Hospital, our darling Donna lost her six-year battle with cancer and died very peacefully in the loving arms of her husband and sister. She will be dreadfully missed by her adoring husband Ray and stepchildren Mike McShane (Alicia) of Toronto and Erin Ferguson (Alex) of Carleton Place. The three young Ferguson boys, William, Duncan and Rory, have been denied the full measure of Donna’s kind heart and the pleasure of growing up with Grandma in their cheering section. No measure can be taken of the loss felt by Donna’s twin sister Ronna, inseparable until now in ways only twins can fathom. Ronna’s daughter Grace has lost her much-adored aunt whom she always simply called, Donna. Also left to mourn are Donna’s stepsister Manon O’Conner (David) of Pembroke and Chantal and Ivan and their families, Ray’s sister-in-law, Catherine McShane (Dennis, deceased) in Toronto, and nieces Pat (Francois Gauthier) in France and Leslie (Andrew Chapman) also in Toronto and their families.
Donna is the daughter of Fergie and Marjorie MacPherson, both deceased. She spent her childhood in Montreal and then Deep River, where her dad will be remembered as the golf pro at the local golf club. Following four years at Carleton U and three years with Ottawa Youth Services, Donna was hired as a social worker with the Lanark County Board of Education and its successor board the Upper Canada District School Board, a job she seemed born to do. She proudly wore the playful title of don of the group for having been the first-hired as the department grew over the years from one to eight. It is well known how fiercely Donna fought for the unprivileged and powerless in her calm, measured manner and, like Grace, everyone at work, young and older, always knew Donna simply as, Donna.
Great gratitude is felt for the many people who helped Donna through her journey; Dr. Derek Jonker, her tireless oncologist; the wonderful, caring chemo team at Winchester District Memorial Hospital, Callie, Jackie, Penny, Brenda and Rhonda; Dr. Shawna Harper, Donna’s family physician whose hours knew no clock; Champlain LHIN and the Beth Donovan Hospice, ever ready to help; and Bayshore Home Health Services nurse Melody. Melody, you are an angel. Through her final days Donna received superb care at the Kemptville District Hospital. May we all be treated as tenderly when our time comes.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hulse, Playfair and McGarry in Kemptville. Cremation has already taken place. As per Donna’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Burial in the family plot in Brinston, ON at a later date. Those wishing to donate in Donna’s memory may wish to consider St James Anglican Church, Kemptville, the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation, the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation and Beth Donovan Hospice, Kemptville.
Kemptville District Hospital Foundation
Donate to Kemptville District Hospital Foundation
Beth Donovan Hospice
Donate to Beth Donovan Hospice
Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation
Donate to Winchester District memorial Hospital Foundation
———>>> St.JamesAnglicanChurch <<Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Inc
Décès pour la Ville:Kemptville, Province: Ontario