Donna Beverley Dodsworth

Donna was the only, and cherished daughter of Leslie and Mina Draper, (nee Brenton).

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, William (Bill) Dodsworth; her adoring daughters, Leslie and Amanda, son-in-law, Greg, loving grandchildren, Nathan, Ally, Ryann (Sandy) and treasured great granddaughter, Anna. She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Lillian Tingly (Bert) and Shirley DiBattista (David); as well as extended and much loved family, Carol and Paul Smith and their children, Kale (Stephanie) and Erin. Donna also leaves behind many devoted life-long friends who were her second family.

A Rockingham resident for her entire life, Donna maintained close relationships with neighbours who also became her close friends. She proudly nurtured deep roots within her community. Donna spent Monday evenings with her ladies at “gab group”where they always planned to make crafts but ultimately created joy, warmth and laughter with conversation and camaraderie. She also loved book club and was a voracious reader. She was a proud member of the Rockingham Grannies and previously a member of the UCW at Rockingham United.

Donna and Bill were married in 1970 at Rockingham United Church where they were active and devoted members. In 2004, Donna graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, with her Bachelor of Arts, an accomplishment that filled her, and us, with such pride.

In her youth, Donna worked as a secretary for the Nova Scotia Provincial Government before become a full-time, stay-at-home mother, a choice which she was proud of and grateful for, always putting family first. Donna was an outstanding, caring, dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother, caring for we, her family, with unconditional love that simply radiated from her soul. Donna was joy and love personified. She was our beacon of light. Our world has significantly dimmed without her.

After raising her family, Donna found her way back to the workforce at age sixty-five. She worked part-time with the public, showcasing her affinity to connect with others, at Reitman’s in Bayers Lake, surrounded by her two favourite things - clothes and people. She was a style icon and loved working in the fashion and retail industry until she passed.

She found her truest calling as an Excel employee within elementary schools across the HRM, working in schools such as Duc Danville, Bedford South and lastly, right down the hill from home, at Ecole Rockingham Elementary, where she remained full-time until her death.

Rockingham School meant the world to her— it was a community that felt like home. She often spoke with warmth and gratitude about her Rockingham family, cherishing the friendships, and love she found there. Whether it was the teachers or her friends who worked alongside her, or the moments that shaped her journey, she held Rockingham close to her heart. She never missed an opportunity to express how much the school and its people meant to her, always speaking with kindness and deep appreciation.

She found joy in learning every child’s name and said “her kids” kept her youthful. To the children and students who will miss their “Miss Donna,” we are so sorry for your loss. Please know she loved each and every one of you.

Donna was also an extreme social butterfly. A fun soul who loved a night out. She enjoyed dinner and a movie, the Theatre Arts Guild, live music, Neptune Theatre, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Fairview Legion (where she was always the designated driver), and monthly dinners out with her EXCEL coworkers. As she told a friend, “the venue doesn’t matter, it’s the company that counts”. While she and Bill enjoyed these activities with their many friends, her priority was always social events with her daughters and grandchildren. We are certain Donna intentionally chose not to hone her cooking skills so she could spend as many evenings as possible out for dinner with Leslie. In the summer, you also would find Donna soaking up the sun at the Waegwoltic Club, where she had been a lifelong member.

Donna was the heart of our family, always bringing us together, putting a smile on our faces with her sense of humour, many quirks and infectious laughter. She was the brightest light in every room. Her gentle nature ensured that that everyone she met ultimately became a friend. We are devastated by her passing and thank the community for their love and support at this difficult time.

Donna’s Service of Remembrance will be held at 11am at Hillside United/Rockingham United Church, 12 Flamingo Drive, Halifax, Saturday, March 8. Reception to follow in the church hall. All welcome. We encourage attendants to dress in clothes that make them happy. Our beloved style icon, and we, her family, would appreciate people wearing joyful clothing (not all black) as a celebration of her love of life, joie de vivre, and fashion sense.

For those who would like to celebrate Donna in a more casual, social setting, please join us at Clayton Park Pub and Grill (the Lower Deck Pub) from 5-7pm, March 8. We will raise a glass in Donna’s memory and share stories about her.

In lieu of flowers, if possible, any donations can be made to these three places that Donna held close and supported: Ecole Rockingham, the Fairview Food Pantry Project, ([email protected]) or to Hillside United/Rockingham United.

The next time you look up to the night sky and see the brightest light out there, rest assured, that’s our Donna.