Donna Yvonne Inwood

It is with deep sadness that the family of Donna Inwood (nee Shay) announce her passing. After a brave, two-year battle with cancer, Donna passed away peacefully in the early morning of July 31st, at the age of 85.

Donna is survived by her daughter Cheryl (Roger) and son Chris (Tracy), grandsons Brandon (Danika), Jordan, Tyler, and Trevor (Jessica) and her great-grand daughter Bellamy. She was predeceased by her husband David, sister Shirley Hutchins, and brothers Lorne and James.

Donna was born in Huntsville Ontario to Beatrice (nee McFadden) and Duncan Shay. She sadly lost both her parents by the age of 15. Donna was fortunate to have her older sister Shirley and brother-in-law Norman, take her in and raise her right along side their own sons, Barry & Bill.

Donna moved to Toronto at the age of 17 to attend business college, where a few years later she would meet her soon to be husband, David.

Donna and Dave began their 65-year love story after meeting on the Downsview Air Force base on Feb 14th, where Dave was stationed. It was love at first sight and, as she said, he worked fast! Only one month after meeting he asked Donna to marry him the very next month. Being the planner that she was, she told him that was too soon and made him wait until September to say their “I Do’s”.

Soon after they moved to David’s hometown area of Vancouver, where Donna continued to work until their first child arrived. For the next 16 years her number one priority was raising and caring deeply for her family. When Donna felt that she could “leave her brood safely” she went back to work outside of the home again. Using her business skills, she spent many years managing children clothing stores until she retired.

After taking up jogging in the early 70’s, at the age of 39, Donna turned to brisk walks as one of her favorite things to do. She found it very therapeutic for her mind and body. Rain or shine, she walked a vigorous 3 miles, rarely missing a day over the next 44 years. In a testament to her speed walking ability, several years ago, Donna was required to do a treadmill stress test. When they had to end the test, because there was no stopping her on the treadmill, the doctor declared her “Queen of the Treadmill”. Donna and Dave were also avid square dancers for many years. Along with, already, very long-time friends, Jake and Sheila Janzen, they met many new friends there that they shared long-lasting friendships with, including the Harvies, Layers, and Paridis.

Donna and Dave were the kind of people that made friends for a lifetime, but still always had room for new friendships along the way. Later in their retirement, they would meet some very special people and form close and wonderful friendships that lasted the rest of their days. Donna was, and her family are, incredibly grateful to all of those special friends.

Sandy & Karen, Bill & Mary, Elizabeth and Jan, thank you for all the love you showed Mom & Dad.

Donna was always excited to see people and had the ability to make them feel so welcome. She always had an honest interest in their lives and was an extremely good listener. She would never tell people what they should or should not do in their lives but could offer well thought out and valuable advice. She made people feel so appreciated, comfortable and good about themselves. Donna was even referred to as a second mom by some of her kids’ friends.

As a Nana, she was a very well known, familiar face at her grandson’s soccer pitches and ice rinks. She spent many, many years as one of the most loyal grandmothers, cheering them on at countless soccer and hockey games.

Above all, Donna’s family is what gave her strength and made her life complete. She always put her family first and each and every member felt her unconditional love always. Donna was so very loved and will be deeply missed.

We want to thank Donna’s doctor and the Fraser Health wound nurse team and caregivers for their heartwarming support, gentle care, and kindness shown to her over the last two years.

We would like to thank the staff and volunteers at the Langley Hospice. There are not enough words to say thank you and acknowledge the amazing care and compassion you provided not only to our Mom, Nana, Great Grandma and friend, but also to all of her family during her time there. To say that all of you and the Langley Hospice are so incredibly special simply isn’t enough. It’s truly not just a hospice, it’s a beautiful, warm comforting place to be during a very difficult time. You have thought of everything that the patient and family could possibly need or want. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you from all of Donna’s family.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, or should you wish to honor Donna’s memory, donations to the Langley Hospice in her name would be greatly appreciated.