Donna Quade

It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we announce our precious Mom/Grams, Mrs. Donna Quade, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Hospital at the age of 86 years, with her beloved family by her side.

We take comfort in knowing that Mom, beloved wife of Fritz Quade (2020) for 60 years, are now reunited.

Loving and deeply loved mother of Christine Rutlidge (Keith), Karl Quade (Sue), Heidi Waddell (Gord), and Lisa Scott (Dave).

She was also the treasured and deeply loved grandmother (Grams) of Lauren (Chris) and Kaitlin, Rachel and Hannah, Rebecca, Amanda and Gordon, and Quade. Proud “GG” to Harper and her big brother Skyler

Dear big sister of her much-loved baby brother Wayne Caton who both shared a bond so very special. Much loved sister-in-law to Trudy Quade, her Hawaiin phone calls that brightened her day. She adored her special friends Kent and Sandy Darby who treated her like a sister.

Mom is Survived by her children, grand/great grandchildren, sister-in laws, many loving nieces and nephews, the many friends and relationships formed over the years, and her former and current neighbors who she loved visiting with and hearing updates about. Her beloved German Shepard Brodie who comforted and protected her.

Predeceased by the love of her life, Fritz, her loving parents George and Dorothy Caton, cherished and much-loved youngest brother Mike Caton, and her precious soul sister Marlyn Darby.

Mom was born here in Canada, and met our Dad at a local dance. He had recently immigrated from Germany and spoke very little English. She felt an instant connection that day and they began a life together, establishing a fishing bait business, first in St. Catharines and then in Hamilton (Hamilton Wholesale bait), that eventually all four children would be a part of in some way. Mom was a true Matriarch, known for her unconditional devotion to her family. She always said if she could put her 4 kids in a jar and keep it on the fridge, she would… so we did the next best thing, and all lived close to her. Her grandchildren were her world and she stopped at nothing to make them well aware of this. All of our children confided in mom and a very special bond was created that will live on with them for eternity.

Mom was fiercely loved by everyone she met and genuinely loved her time with those that she interacted with. She had a special way of making people feel as if they had known her for life, even after just meeting. Mom loved traveling over the years, early on with our dad to many sunny destinations, and more recently trips to myrtle beach or up north to a cottage or resort. She would start the packing process a week before a trip, laying out items and getting excited.

She LOVED her lists; she made them for everything: countdown to the birth of a grandchild, countdown to a trip, movies or series to watch next on netflix. She loved her novels and many puzzles. She looked forward to our family barbeques and holiday weekend gatherings. She absolutely loved her backyard in the warmer months and took great pride in her flowerpots and garden beds and her beautiful pool oasis. Our hearts are forever broken. The loss we are all feeling is so very deep and brings about such profound sadness and despair that will be so difficult to overcome. Mom would want us to be strong, carry on her legacy of love, kindness and family. The entire family will all endeavor to truly cherish all of these precious memories.

The family would like to thank family and friends who over the past few weeks checked in with us and most recently helped comfort us at a very difficult time. A sincere thank you to the ICU staff at St Joseph’s hospital, both the Dr’s, nurses and admin staff who completely took care of our entire family during a most stressful and painful time in our lives, to help ensure that we as a family were taken care of, as well as ensuring that our mom passed away comfortably and peacefully.

Cremation has taken place. A private Interment service for the family has been arranged. A celebration of life with family and friends will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Donna’s wish was for memorial donations to be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, a cause that was near to mom’s heart. Online condolences can be made at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com.