DONNA LYNN GLOWA
Donna Lynn Glowa (Hamel, Smith) died peacefully at home with her children and husband by her side on the evening of Tuesday November 29th, 2016 at age 64. Left to mourn are her husband Ron, sons Cary (Janet) and Scott (Holly), daughter Lindsay (Bob), grandsons Oliver and Benjamin, siblings Gary (Beulah), Margaret (Rocky), Susan (Rob), Rick, Debbie (Wade), Wendy (Jamie), Juwll (Nicole), and Kevin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Donna is pre-deceased by her Mother Edna Meeres and Father Clifford Smith.
Donna was born September 24th, 1952 in Moncton, New Brunswick. The 4th of 9 children, her childhood was spent traveling across Canada as a young military family. The quiet dark curly-haired Donna walked across rail bridges over the North Saskatchewan River in Prince Albert, SK and enjoyed playing games outside her elementary school in Whitehorse, YK. Some of her fondest childhood memories were bike riding along the ocean in Courtenay-Comox, BC a place she always felt deeply connected with. It was here that she began building friendships that lasted her entire life. In 1966, Donna and the Smith family moved to the Air Force Base in St James, Winnipeg, spending her teen years dancing at The St James Civic Centre and working as a waitress at the Silver Heights restaurant.
Donna’s father retired in 1971 and the family moved to BC. Donna and her sister Margaret remained in Winnipeg and their deep life-long connection grew deeper. Growing their young families together they were always talking on the phone and sharing every detail about their lives from dinner plans to their deepest hopes and dreams. Donna loved her special relationships with nieces and nephew Jason (Irene), Ainsley (Mike) and Jennifer (Ryan) and brother-in-law Rocky.
Donna leaves many gifts in this world, her first being Rick Baker. Rick was born August 7, 1971 and was adopted by the wonderful and loving Baker family. It gave Donna immense peace and comfort to meet Rick later in life.
In the fall of 1973, Donna became a mother to Cary. Donna created a rich, fulfilling and loving home for Cary in their Wolesley apartment. Always living her life with an immense sense of gratitude, she was happy with what she had, finding true joy and gratitude in the simple pleasures of a sunny stroll with Cary.
Lindsay was born in the spring of 1979 to Donna, Wayne and big brother Cary. Not long after, Scott was born at home in their St Vital bungalow in the summer of 1980. Donna and her young family became part of a vibrant neighbourhood, a community of love and support. Family life in the 80s was bustling block parties, coffee visits on the front steps, and summer kiddie pool parties. Lifelong friendships were built. As a mother, Donna was a vessel of unconditional, nonjudgmental love, allowing her children to grow, explore, and develop their own selves and inspiring them with a deep sense of kindness, empathy and understanding for others.
Donna married Ron, her loving husband of 25 years, in the fall of 1991 in the sunroom of their home, in St Andrews. They had a marriage of strength, unconditional love and support, and together they loved hosting at their kitchen table. Donna was always the best host, wanting to provide for all. Donna and Ron loved hosting winter backyard bonfires where Donna would challenge everyone to family ’olympic races’. Donna was also active in the community playing ringette and loved going for walks with friends along River Road.
A working mother, Donna spent 37 years at Safeway in Fort Garry where she built life long relationships with co-workers and customers. She loved hearing about peoples’ lives as she rang through their groceries. Anywhere Donna went, she was sure to run into ‘someone who shops at Safeway.” Donna and ‘the girls from work” continued to share a deep and meaningful connection, spending summer weekends at the cabin and supporting each other until her last days.
Donna’s greatest joy came on April 7, 2007 when Oliver was born. She loved being a Grandma. She was doubly blessed when Benjamin came into the world on May 19, 2011. She was so proud of her grandsons, and more than anything wanted to experience life with them. Sleepovers, Halloween-themed dinners and walks. She thrived on the days that she got to spend with them.
Donna’s last days were rich with love, care and compassion. She was incredibly grateful for all the support she received from so many. Friend Joanne Geurts was a constant source of love and care. Donna leaves a legacy of kindness, empathy, mindfulness, bravery and gratitude. She is an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held next Wednesday December 7th at 11am at Cropo Funeral Chapel 1442 Main St.
Flowers are graciously declined. In lieu of flowers, Donna has requested donations to Operation Smile Canada in her name.

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de DONNA LYNN GLOWA – 2016.source

death notice DONNA LYNN GLOWA – 2016 – mortuary notice DONNA LYNN GLOWA – 2016