Mrs. Donna May Ernst Chessall

Donna May CHESSALL (nee: ERNST) was born, June 13, 1964, to Gus and Opal Ernst, in the Weyburn General Hospital and passed away on September 23, 2010 at the age of 46 years.

Donna was such a good baby, sleeping through the night at 10 days old. She was raised in Weyburn with her 2 brothers, Les and Terry. She attended Elgin Elementary School, Weyburn Junior High School and completed her education at the Weyburn Comprehensive School. Donna was an active and very happy child, participating in Brownies, playing ball and bowling. To quote Donna, she said, “Mom I had a happy childhood.” While in high school Donna enjoyed babysitting and being a waitress at the Dickson Café.

During her adult life, Donna was employed as a teacher’s aid in a kindergarten class, in housekeeping at the Weyburn General Hospital, and in the activities department of the Weyburn Special Care Home.

Donna felt so blessed when her daughter Sharla was born. Sharla was the pride of Donna’s life.

In August, 1995 Donna’s life changed forever when she met Wes Chessall at New Age Electronics, while buying a VCR. The two became best friends. Their friendship and love for each other grew and they were married on July 15, 2000 and made their home in Weyburn. Wes’ passion was to show Donna the world. They travelled to Mexico, Paris, London, Disneyland, Disneyworld and enjoyed several cruise trips. Donna also loved to travel in their motor-home throughout Canada and the USA.

Donna loved music concerts such as Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, Kiss, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Alan Jackson, and Shania Twain. No matter what, Wes ensured Donna attended these events.

Her favorite band was Julian Austin. They became great friends while he was playing at the Cancer Jam held at Nickel Lake, near Weyburn, SK. Donna was so very fortunate to be in one of Julian’s music videos.

Donna’s interests were many and varied. She loved to shop, knit, make scrap books, attend craft shows, cook and bake, ride quads and be out in the boat. She enjoyed entertaining and was the perfect hostess. She also enjoyed puttering all day in her flower and vegetable gardens. The flowers were beautiful, most colorful, and appeared to be in the thousands. Each year, Donna and her dad Gus, competed at growing the largest vegetables. Donna loved her raspberry bushes and produced very delicious jam, tarts, squares, cakes, and preserves.

Donna was a very kind, thoughtful person, always with a very pleasant smile on her face. She remembered all family and friends’ birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events. She always thought of other people first, then herself.

Donna’s relationship with her children Sharla, Nancy and Jeff, was very special. She was truly blessed when this past June she was able to walk Sharla down the aisle on her wedding day. Donna welcomed Sharla’s husband, Paul, into her family with open arms. She loved and adored Nancy & husband Dallas, Jeff & Shauna, and her 4 precious grandchildren.

Donna passionately loved her cats Poody, Julie and Kitty Girl and treated them like royality.

Donna’s 2 year battle with cancer was a long tough road. She never stopped fighting through all the chemotherapy, radiation, pain and suffering. She always had courage, hope and faith and her smile never went away.

Donna lived Wes’ motto, “Live life to the fullest and take each day at a time, as life is too short.”

Donna was predeceased by her, father-in-law Raymond Chessall and grandparents, Vivian & Floyd Lucksinger, Emma & August Ernst.

Donna will be lovingly remembered by her loving and devoted husband of ten years, Wes Chessall of Weyburn, SK, her daughters, Sharla (Paul) Torkelson of Weyburn, SK, Nancy (Dallas) Rogal and their children, Chelsey & Brett of Weyburn, SK, her son Jeff (Shauna) Chessall and their children, Tyla & Naysa of Weyburn, SK; her father and mother, Gus and Opal Ernst of Weyburn, SK; her brothers, Les (Jill)Ernst and their children, Emily & Holly of Kingston, ON and Terry Ernst of ON; mother-in-law, Alma Chessall of Weyburn, SK; brothers and sisters-in-law, Reg Chessall of Weyburn, SK, Ken (Janet) Chessall of Weyburn, SK and Donna (Frank) Daradich of Weyburn, SK as well as many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Donna May Chessall was held Monday, September 27, 2010 at 2:00p.m.from the Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, SK with Pastor Martin Olson officiating. Interment followed at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn, SK.

Pallbearers were Rod Finney, Byron Daradich, Dale Chessall, Mike Klein, Todd Busch , Calvin Vatamaniuck.

Donna’s family is most appreciative to all those friends and family that provided support, prayers, and visitations during the past two years. The family is grateful to Dr. Bierman and the nurses and staff of the Weyburn General Hospital, the doctors and medical personnel of the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, Pasqua & General Hospitals, Regina, SK, that provided exceptional care and compassion to Donna during her illness.

For family and friends so wishing, donations in memory of Donna may be made to the Weyburn Humane Society Inc, 57 16th Street, Weyburn, SK, S4H 1M4

Condolences to the family may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel Ltd., Weyburn, SK, (306-842-5432)