Obituary for Barbara Astley
Fourteen days after a joyful celebration of her 100th birthday, Barbara Donalda Astley passed away peacefully on December 31, 2016 after a brief time in hospital. Her children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews remember with deep love and affection a remarkable woman. Her strength, her integrity, her stoicism and her devotion to family gave her children a strong start in life. As her son said: “She is simply the rock on which our lives have been based and her values have been passed down through us”.
Donalda, or Donnie as she was known to friends and family, was the last survivor of “the Maxwell clan”, nine children born to Charles and Barbara Maxwell of Belmont, Manitoba. Her marriage to Cyril Astley on July 29, 1941 was the first marriage at Belmont United Church. Donnie and Cy spent 49 good years together in Belmont, Winnipeg, Brandon, Neepawa, Selkirk, and Sandy Hook, and winters together in Arizona after Cy retired from the Bank of Montreal in 1972. Cy predeceased her in 1991, a few months short of their 50th wedding anniversary. Donalda spent the past several years at Sturgeon Creek Retirement Residence in Winnipeg, where she made many good friends and greatly appreciated the care of the staff.
Donalda’s three children are James Bryer (Jim) Astley of Kanata, Ontario married to Peggy; Robert Murray (Bob) Astley of Waterloo, Ontario married to Judy, and Judith Irene (Judy) Parker of Winnipeg. Donalda’s grandchildren are Susan Astley Loignon married to David, with sons Cole and Jamie; Jill Astley; Derek Astley married to Yoo-Mi, with son Ryan; Jennifer Astley-Kinsey married to Darrin, with sons Jack and Sam; Sarah Parker Heppenstall married to Paul-Jamie Heppenstall; and Keren Parker and fiancé Ryan Gama.
Donalda was an outstanding athlete who excelled in fastball, curling and golf. She led the Bank of Montreal team from last to first place in the Winnipeg industrial fastball league in 1949, pitching every game. She played third on a team from Neepawa in the finals of the Manitoba women’s curling playdowns, and was ladies’ club champion at Neepawa and Selkirk golf clubs.
Donalda often said how proud she was of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She welcomed partners unconditionally. She was a role model for us all, and will be missed and lovingly remembered.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place in the spring when Donalda’s ashes will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Belmont, alongside her husband and in the midst of the Maxwell clan.
Expressions of condolence may be sent to condolences@nbardal.mb.ca.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to Salvation Army Prairie Division, 204-290 Vaughan Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2N8 or to Deer Lodge Centre Foundation 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3J 0L3.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Barbara Donalda
Astley – 2017.source
death notice Barbara Donalda
Astley – 2017 – mortuary notice Barbara Donalda
Astley – 2017