Donna Rose Poulette of Eskasoni passed away peacefully on May 29, 2022 at the CBRH in Sydney after a long courageous battle with cancer. By her side was her husband of 43 years Thomas “Saqmaw” Poulette.
Donna was well known for her cooking and basket making. She would travel all over teaching people traditional basket weaving. Donna worked for Morris pizza and Morris Bakery for over 40 years. Then she started her own small business selling dinners out of her own kitchen. This became very popular within the community. It was a meeting place for all. She enjoyed seeing all the familiar faces along with many new ones. Donna had planned to build her own shop but unfortunately she was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer and her plans were put on hold.
On June 21, 2003 Donna was presented with an award called “Keeping the Drum Alive” in recognition of speaking Mi’kmaq fluently and traditional basket weaving.
Donna and Saqmaw volunteered for over 40 years with the annual Pilgrimage to Ste. Anne De Beaupre. Donna’s most favourite past times were playing bingo and going dancing. She had so many friends who will certainly miss her.
Donna is survived by her husband Thomas “Saqmaw” Poulette, children; Matthew and Joanne. Grandchildren; Damian, Evan, Kray, Austin, Cory, and Christopher. Brothers; John, Jordan(Mary Ann), Simon (Jeannie), Frankie (Ann Louise), Leo and Joey. Sisters; Maryann, Vina(Frankie), Catherine "Crow” (Peter), Colleen(David), Allison(Mark) and sisters in law Mary and Laurie. Stepfather Papa Wayne, Godmother Rosemary and her special nieces Nora Ann, Monica, Tammy and Char, special Godchild and niece Tanya, as well as many other nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
She was predeceased by her father Harvey, mother Connie, brother Robert. brothers in law William, Peter and Norman, sisters in law Malian and Roseann, father in law Peter and mother in law Pauline.
The family would like to sincerely thank the cancer centre, eskasoni health centre, palliative care, Alexsandrine Stevens, and Sabrina Lewis.
A very special thank you to Shauna McCune who was not only a daughter in law, but an incredible caregiver to Donna. Shauna was there for the good and the bad and for that, we are eternally grateful.
Visitation will start Sunday, June 5 at 7pm at the Gabriel Centre in Eskasoni.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 7 at 10:00am at the Holy Family Parish with Fr. Antolin Asor officiating. Burial to follow in the Holy Family Parish Cemetery, Eskasoni.
