Donna Lee Duchesne

February 9, 1946 – July 13, 2026

With heavy hearts we share that Donna Duchesne passed on July 13, 2026. We take comfort in knowing that Donna is at peace after a long and courageous journey living with Alzheimer's. Born February 9, 1946, in Highridge, Alberta, to Stella and James Slator. Donna was predeceased by her beloved husband, Rene; her parents, Stella and James; and her brothers, James and Delmar.

She leaves behind her daughter, Shelly (Todd Hutton), and her son, Kevin (Jodi), along with her four cherished grandchildren — Lauren, Jaden, Alexander, and Adrian — and many beloved furry companions.

Donna grew up in Highridge before moving with her mother to Edmonton's Garneau neighbourhood after her father's passing when she was six years old. She attended Alberta College and went on to work as a legal secretary before dedicating herself to raising her family. She later returned to the workforce, keeping the books for her husband Rene's business, and in 1986 began working as a Medical Secretary and Executive Assistant at the Misericordia Hospital, a role she held until her retirement in 2003.

On June 18, 1966, Donna married Rene Duchesne, the love of her life. Together they raised two children, Shelly and Kevin, in Edmonton, and built a life full of warmth, laughter, and togetherness. In retirement, Donna and Rene made their home full-time at South Seba Beach on Wabamun Lake, spending winters at their second home in Mesa, Arizona, and cherishing the social community they found at Silveridge RV Park.

Donna had a gift for bringing people together. She and Rene loved to entertain, hosting dinners, New Year's celebrations, Halloween parties, Mother's Day gatherings, and "just because" get-togethers with family and close friends. Summers at the lake meant time on the water, games, and campfires; winters brought snowmobiling, skating, tobogganing, and many cherished Christmases with the family gathered close.

An avid gardener, seamstress, and quilter, Donna also found joy in playing pool, mahjong, and pickleball. She and Rene traveled widely together, visiting Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and much of Canada and the United States. Throughout her life, Donna had a soft spot for animals, from her childhood Newfoundlander to the many cats and dogs who shared her home over the years, and in later years, a particular fondness for cats.

Donna will be remembered for her warmth, her generosity as a host, her creativity as a maker of things, and the deep love she poured into her family and friends.

A celebration of life will take place with family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to support Dementia research, or to a charitable organization of your choice in Donna's memory.