Larry & Jackie Doner

Jackie was a vibrant and loving wife, mother, sister, Grams, mother-in-law and friend. She was survived by her devoted husband, Larry, by two weeks. Together they shared over 60 years of love and were happily married for 59 years. She leaves behind her son Raymond (Nicole) and her daughter Robin (Clara), both of whom she fiercely loved, along with her best friend and baby sister Peggy (Sal), and her older sister Midge. Jackie was a doting Grams to Farrah, Adam, Alicia and Kyla, Great-Grams to Teddy, a special aunt to Joanne, Michael, Marty & Jake and she continued to have a special bond with her daughter-in-law Helen.

Jackie was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and Walter (Joe) Pearson, her brother Jimmy Pearson, and her sister Sharon (Sherry) Winger. She will be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Originally from Fort Erie, Ontario, after marriage Jackie and Larry embarked on a journey together to Sudbury, Ontario where they built their family and made many friends. Jackie had a career with Bell Canada working in their business unit for 30yrs serving Sudbury’s large companies and organizations. Jackie volunteered with the Steelworkers Youth Soccer Team for several years, handling registrations and team management. Jackie was a lifelong reader and loved mystery and intrigue. She was known for making delicious butter tarts, her use of colloquialisms, her love of Bruce Springsteen and his songs, her intelligence, quick laugh and her empathy.

In her retirement Jackie enjoyed more reading, trips to the casino, golfing and travelling to Florida where she and Larry made lasting friendships, and where they hosted their children and grandchildren, spending hours at amusement parks and swimming pools building memories with her family.

Jackie leaves behind a lifetime of love, cherished moments, and lives forever changed by knowing her. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

It is with additional sadness that the family announces the passing of Larry Donald Doner on October 7, 2026, in Ottawa at the age of 80. Larry passed away only two weeks after his beloved wife Jackie (née Pearson). He had been battling cancer with determination and was reluctant to leave Jackie behind, but after her passing, Larry found comfort in the thought of being reunited with her, and he left this world peacefully.

Larry leaves behind his son Raymond (Nicole), his daughter Robin (Clara), and his sisters Cathi (Bruce) and Karen (Eddie). Larry took great joy in being a Grampa to Farrah, Adam, Alicia, Kyla and his great-grandson Teddy.

Larry was predeceased by his father Raymond Doner, his brother Keith (Squeak), and his sisters Faye, Linda, and Gloria. He will be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Originally from Ridgeway, Ontario, Larry was an avid sportsman who during his lifetime fished, hunted, curled, played baseball, hockey, golf and was a successful 10-pin bowler who achieved a perfect game with a score of 300. He had a complicated relationship with the Toronto Blue Jays but always cheered for the Sabres and the Bills.

Larry had a love of horses and during his youth had wanted to be a thoroughbred jockey, however his eventual height of almost 6 feet put an end to that dream. He instead spent his late teens and early twenties working in the barns of the Fort Erie Race Track, a place that would remain close to his heart, and where he first met his wife Jackie.

After marriage, Larry and Jackie moved to Sudbury, Ontario where he worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for 31yrs at the Inco Nickel Refinery (now Vale). Larry made many close friends through work and his sporting activities and could always be counted on for a helping hand, a funny joke or a game of Poker. Larry loved trivia shows and completed the Globe & Mail crossword daily. Larry was above all a devoted husband and Jackie was the centre of his being, and he lovingly cared for her throughout her illness during their last 10yrs. They have been reunited in death, and he will forever be caressing her hand.

Larry has left his family and friends with many memories and has filled our hearts with enough laughter to last us until we meet again.

There will be a joint funeral service for both Larry and Jackie at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 32 Idylewylde St., Fort Erie, Ontario on Saturday, October 17 at 11:00am, followed by an interment at the Ridgeway Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that you consider donating to the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society rather than using the links below to plant trees or light candles.

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