Donna Lilian Hutchins Kidnie

Blessed with a strong constitution, an adventurous spirit and a love of life, Donna was born in Shelburne, Ontario, the middle child of three sisters (Ruth Hayes - 1913-2014 and Willa Redman -1923-2020) to Pauline (nee Mary Emma Bailey) and Frank Bettschen. The family lived for most of her youth in Alliston Ontario in the house now known as “My Sister’s Place” on Albert St.

At age 18 Donna began a 40 year career as an Ontario public school teacher, first in Earnscliffe in Mulmur and finishing as a special needs teacher in Adjala-Tosorontio. In between, she taught home economics at RH McGregor School in Toronto, and in regular classrooms at Tosorontio, Camp Borden and Alliston public schools. She gave her own children an abiding love of words, music and people, juggling the life of a farmer’s wife, mother, and teacher with amazing energy. From a round-the-world tour with Bert, to numerous visits to Britain, Europe, Mexico and across Canada and the US, she loved the opportunity to explore and to meet people.

In 2007, she made the big transition to life in Vancouver, at Cavell Gardens, an independent living home, enjoying a wonderful view of the mountains, city and ocean from her apartment. Moving into the Louis Brier Jewish Home and Hospital in Vancouver in 2012, she was lovingly cared for by their staff. We thank everyone, especially her care companion Janeth Santos who gave her such kind personal attention. It was not hard to do, because she was consistently good-natured and retained a wonderful sense of humour and understanding to the end. She will be truly missed.

Predeceased by husband, Bert Kidnie (1911-1988), and by his cousin, Elmer Coleman, with whom she lived from 1990 until his death in 2005. Remembered by Janet Kidnie (Jim Jorgenson), Robert (Bob) Kidnie (Janice Toms) and James Kidnie (Maria Deschamps); grandchildren David Jorgenson (Nikki Jolie), Peter Jorgenson (Rene), Rob Kidnie (Allison), Susan Kidnie (Stuart Moore), and Felicity Williams (Andrew Zukerman). Also remembered by nephews, Laurence and David Redman (Sandy Scholey), niece Rosemary Redman Wingrove (Tim), nieces Dixie Corrigan and Shirley Masterson, and extended family and friends.

Donations in her memory may be made to My Sister’s Place, Alliston, Ontario.