Donna Mildred Riley

Predeceased by her Husband, Wallace (Wally), her son Gary, her parents Freeman and Martha Van Alstine, her siblings Helen Lyle (Tommy), Marge Breach (Vic), Ruth Peak (Lonnie), Murray Van Alstine (Nell), and Morley Van Alstine (Olive). Donna was the beloved wife of Wally for 54 years, loving Mother of Gary (Dianne) and Allan (Elrene), cherished Grandmother to Jordan, Jaime, Rob, Greg, and Shannon, and great Grandmother to Mackenzie, Alex, Lauren, Zoe, and James Lott. She will also be missed by many Nieces and Nephews.

Born in Thorold in 1923, Donna spent most of her life in the Niagara Region, mainly Niagara Falls. She recently moved to Hamilton to be closer to her son, Allan. She was a stay at home Mom, with exceptional talents in sewing, cooking, and baking. She would make homemade fudge for the kids on Halloween (yes, people didn't worry about non-factory wrapped candy and peanut allergies in the 50's!) and her butter tarts were a family legend. She made wonderful Halloween costumes for her grandchildren, including a cheetah, clown, and most notably a devil costume with a pitchfork that her Grandson Greg decided to wear jumping off the stairs into the living room to meet Allan's Minister who was visiting that day.

Donna took up ceramics and made many beautiful pieces which she shared with her family. She loved her cranberry glass collection and displayed it right as you entered her home. She insisted her coffee to be filled to the brim of her floral Royal Doulton China cup that she carried with her. She loved opening presents and never ripped the wrapping paper or cut the ribbon for fear of bad luck. She loved the Toronto Blue Jays.

Donna loved euchre and would jump at any chance to play. She was part of a euchre club with Wally for many years and later played with other residents when she moved to Stamford Estates, a retirement home in Niagara Falls which she loved. Pass the ace was also a Riley favourite and was played constantly at family events for years. Donna was well known for her "giraffe neck", and always took the opportunity to enhance her chances of winning as she never liked to lose. You always knew her feelings if she did lose as her pout was quite pronounced, giving her family many laughs.

Building dollhouses became a passion for Donna and a headache for Wally. However, they both could agree on their enjoyment of driving vehicles for their son Gary's dealership. She had a habit of getting lost in Toronto constantly, and with no cell phones, GPS, or sense of direction it made things quite challenging. She loved her Pontiac vibe and even kept it long after she retired from driving herself as she only wanted to be driven in her own vehicle.

Both Donna and Wally were avid and excellent bowlers, winning numerous trophies over the years. Square dancing was another hobby they enjoyed. During the summer months they loved camping with their trailer and travelled all over North America with their friends and Starcraft camper club. Their son Gary always ensured they had a new safari conversion van each year to travel with.

Every Wednesday night was a date night with her son, Allan. They enjoyed dinners, conversation, and driving around the Falls to see the seasonal displays. As soon as Donna saw one Christmas light on someone's home she immediately pointed it out, which meant it was time for Allan to put her lights up on her house. Her neighbours, Frank and Flo Girhiny always made sure Donna was safe and consistently checked in on her. They always made sure her lawn was cut and driveway shoveled, which allowed her to live there on her own much longer.

Donna's flawless and beautiful skin was the envy of anyone who met her. Even at 100 years of age she still didn't have any wrinkles and credits having no worries and Oil of Olay for this blessing. She lived life her way and her passing was no exception to this. When Donna turned 93 she told Allan it would be great to hit 100. A few weeks after her 100th birthday celebration Donna passed away gracefully in her sleep. While we will all miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing she had an amazing life and knew how much she was loved.

We would like to thank the staff at Macassa Lodge for the compassionate care throughout her stay. Thanks to Dr. Campbell for making her passing comfortable. Thank you to all her family and friends for their support through this time and all throughout Donna’s life. Keeping with Donna's wishes cremation has taken place and private family interment will be held at Lundy's Lane Cemetery in the Spring. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com.