Obituary
Donna Joyce Koper (Reinson), age 78, died peacefully in her sleep while receiving palliative care at The Foothills hospital, on July 23, 2022. Donna’s husband, Larry Koper, passed away just a month before her. She was born July 25, 1943, in Melville Saskatchewan to Marjorie and Adolf Reinson.
Donna grew up poor but felt that her childhood was rich and idyllic because of the love she felt from her siblings, aunts and uncles, friends, and grandparents and she enjoyed telling the stories of her Saskatchewan childhood. Music was a large part of their life as children and she loved music, family jams, and special songs. Family remained the most important focus throughout Donna’s life. She spent over 30 years researching the family history and then wrote a book about it all, much to the delight of her large extended family, when she hosted a party and book launch on her property to celebrate it. She loved to entertain and was a legendary cook and maker of sweet treats. Planning dinner parties and giant reunions was an extension of her love and how she showed her appreciation. Donna was always inviting everyone she knew to come and stay with her and Larry at the ranch.
Donna was a loving and wonderful mother, not only to her children, but also to all the nieces and nephews who called her “Auntie Mom”. She was a strong shoulder to lean on for so many people in her life. Donna loved to love on people. Her generosity was legendary.
Donna was a creative woman who loved to learn. She had talent as an artist, an interior decorator and as a garden designer. She volunteered extensively in her community, as a brownie leader and was most proud of her volunteer efforts during the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. She felt that meeting athletes and dignitaries was great but meeting Eddie the Eagle was a real highlight for her.
After raising her 4 children she worked as a wedding planner, in the oil and gas sector and as a successful entrepreneur as the owner of the Heavenly Outhouse in Cochrane, AB. Her brainchild- The Cochrane Outhouse Races, became an important event and part of the community long after Donna sold the business.
After retiring, she enjoyed quite a few outings to Blue Jays baseball games with her beloved sister Mavis. Her interest in Baseball might have come later in life but she was true fan. Donna had recently moved into Atria independent retirement community and she loved all of her friends there fiercely.
Donna’s favorite saying came from her mother. “Nothing is so bad that it couldn’t be worse”. She was tested a great deal in the past few years, both with cancer and ALS, yet she remained a loving mother, aunt and friend to so many. Her beautiful smile was always there. She kept making new friends until the very last days.
Donna is survived by her twin brother Donald, brother Bud and wife Jan, brother Bob, sister Mavis, brother Lorne, sister Audrey: her children Robert, Trevor and wife Randene, Nancy and husband Todd, Lori and husband Ken: grandchildren, Brie, Quinn, Jake and Hannah plus her first husband Dennis Andrews.
As per Donna’s wishes there will be no ceremony or service. In lieu of flowers, Donna has asked for donations to the ALS Society of Alberta.
Here is a playlist of some of Donna’s favorite songs for you.
“Walk With Me” – GoldFord
“Supermarket Flowers” – Ed Sheeren
“You Are My Sunshine” – Elizabeth Mitchell
Have a glass of wine, listen to her music, and know that she is smiling right now at the thought of it.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donna Joyce Reinson Koper July 25 1943 July 23 2022 (age 78)..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta