We are sending all our love from New Brunswick . Donna was always the easiest person in the room to talk to. She always seemed like she was in a great mood. Her laughter and joy injected the room with love and light . She was a miracle worker for our whole family. We were all very blessed she found us.

I was saddened to hear that Donna left this world. She was a true joy in every Yoga class she attended with me, and the conversations we had before and after. 

I lost track of her since 2020 and wish I had reached out. Thank you for having the live stream, so those of us on the outskirts of her community could witness the well-deserved outpouring of love for such a beautiful soul.

We send our deepest condolences to the Hartford family on the loss of Donna. We will fondly remember our time with her at OE, her infectious laughter and gentle nature will never be forgotten.  A gracious host and mutual dog lover, she was a shining star!

My sincere condolences to Tim and family and to Donna’s family in the US. Donna was a bright spirit in my life and the lives of so many others. She was a dear friend. We shared many walks, talks and belly laughs. We also shared talks of the difficult stuff. While I miss her profoundly, I feel so blessed to have known her and shared a friendship with her for the years I did.

Tim and family, 
My deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved Donna.  May she live on in your hearts forever.

Deepest condolences to Tim and family. Donna was one of my dearest friends and I am so grateful to have known her. Her sense of humour and light hearted spirit lives on through her memory.  Rest in peace my beautiful friend. Until we meet again 🕊️🙏

Tim, and all Donna's Family,
I knew this most gentle, beautiful and Peaceful soul, Donna, for about 8 years, and we met through a singing programme where we enjoyed several years of monthly circles of group song and sharing sometimes deeply spiritual moments . A few  years later  our mutual love for writing also connected us - a shared writing coach -and I believe Donna found great enjoyment and contentment in her writing. 
 She reached out to me to participate in my guided meditations I offer, and when she first became unwell again we shared a path, this time of Energy work . I am so sorry for your loss, and I want you to know how richly she embellished my life with her deep insights, her meditative reflections and  thoughtful, kind, and compassionate friendship. I will always remember her big heart, lovely smile and her love for song, writing and walks in nature.- From Fiona

I am so very saddened to hear about Donna's passing.  She was such a happy, positive, lovely lady and I have fond memories of her, always with a smile on her face.  I will remember her that way, chatting about recipes and dogs....with that amazing Chicago accent.  Deepest condolences to Tim and the entire family at this time.  Thinking of you all with love.

Donna  was one of my favourite people in Belcarra.  There wasn't a time when we didn't run into each other on a walk and not have it turn into an hour long talk.  Donna had such depth, and such a kind and inquiring spirit.  I always came away from each visit buoyed by time spent with someone so completely genuine.  She will be missed by so many in this neighbourhood.

We are struggling to find the words with the loss of our beautiful dear friend Donna.  We have so many cherished memories of dinners, concerts and getaways with the four of us.  Donna lit up the room with her beautiful smile and infectious laugh and we will treasure the times we spent together.  Sending our sincerest condolences to Tim, Tiffany and Dan and the Ruckert family.  Thinking of Donna on her birthday today, and every day with love.

Wishing you a Happy Birthday today as we prepare to celebrate your life in memoriam down here in Chicago tomorrow; and will continue to carry you with me for the rest of my days.

Donna joined us in a paint night. There was lots of laughter and fun. We will all cherish that memory.

Donna,

Words can never convey the sorrow I feel.  You were so much more than a sister in law, you were a beautiful friend and the sister I never had.   
Thank you Donna for all of the memories and love. Our family will never be the same without you ❤️

My sweet and hysterical sister-in-law, Donna. You will be missed tremendously. Don’t worry - I got Glo from here on out. ❤️

I was honored to cross paths with Donna. It was only for a  short time, but I immediately fell in love with her personality that was filled with so much kindness, most beautiful smile and lots of life wisdom. We always had such a great talks filled with laughs , frustration, shared recipes and cried. One day when it was really busy at work, I mentioned that I should have made reservation for a restaurant and she asked me where was I thinking to go. I gave her location and within half hr she made 3 reservation for me to choose from. She had that happy smile and told me “When done work, just cancel what you don’t like”   That was Donna. Heavenly garden definitely gained another angel. I will miss her. I send lots of love and support to her family, 
Alma

My deepest condolences go out to Tim and Family.  It must be true what they say, God takes the good ones early.  Donna was a living breathing angel, filled with love, compassion and kindness, and was always happy to share that.  She is greatly missed.  There is a huge hole my heart that will remain, until we meet again.  The sadness is overwhelming.  Donna was one of kind for sure. 
Love, Rosemary McCabe.

My loss of words to express the sorrow I feel cannot reconcile the loss of my friend Donna. Donna’s friendship epitomized the value of a connection between two friends that is so true, vulnerable and honest and can only be understood with gratitude for times we spent sharing our lives with openness, laughter and appreciation. I will miss you Donna very much and hope you rest easy beautiful friend. The world is empty without you in it. 
My sincere condolences go to Tim and the family at this sad time. 
Much love, Ann Soucie

Donna was a big part of my life for over 20 years, and she became so much more than a colleague, she was a dear friend who truly cared. She watched my girls grow and always asked about them with genuine warmth. Her conversations with Daya were always about their shared love of dogs, something that always brought a smile to my face. 

She had a beautiful soul,  full of compassion, quiet strength, and grace. Even in her hardest moments, she showed incredible resilience. Her loss is deeply felt, and she will never be forgotten. 

Lots of Love, 
Raj, Breanna, Taryn, Daya and Kilo XXX

I'll never be able to see a Seinfeld episode without thinking of Donna and it bringing a smile  (or tear).  We always had such good conversations full of laughter and love.   The world was a better place with Donna in it.  She will be missed.  Heeeelllloooooo... la la la....

We will always cherish the times we spent together and long for more time with Donna.

We love you and miss you so much, Auntie Donna ❤️

To the Hartford and Ruckert families, my sincere condolences on your loss. I had the privilege of meeting Donna in Munster, Indiana with her brother Steve who is one of my closest friends. Her beautiful smile and positive attitude was so refreshing that day. Rest in peace Donna. 

Love,
Jeff Wulf

It has been such an honour and a true gift to co-parent with Donna for nearly 30 years. Her feisty and spirited nature was always balanced by a quiet, sage-like presence that brought calm and grounding to those around her.

Her star shines brightly — and will continue to shine, eternal and full of love.

With love,
María

Sending Sincerest condolences to Donna Lynn’s Husband Tim, Children, Don , her Dad, Gloria, her Mom and her Brother, Steve , his Wife, Kelly and  Children. 
Donna was a beautiful Lady inside and out.
Love,
Sally Hendron Kurek and Husband, Ron Kurek

OBITUARY

Donna Lynn Ruckert Hartford

5 July, 1964 – 15 June, 2025

Burkeview Memorial Services

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