Donna Mae Suckling

Donna was born February 4, 1948 in Melfort Saskatchewan. Donna grew up in Penticton amongst the orchards where she was a part of a tightknit neighbourhood that looked out for each other. She met her husband, Richard, as a teenager. They were married and started a family in Penticton, raising their two children mainly in Kaleden. Donna started a career as a teaching assistant supporting elementary and high school children with developmental or physical disabilities in Kaleden, Naramata, and Penticton area. Donna and Richard later retired to Vancouver Island where they embraced island life. Donna formed many close friendships, enjoyed daily walks, and breathing the fresh ocean air.

Donna is survived by her devoted husband Richard; brother Allan (Debbie); children Allan (Kirsten) and Treena (John); sister-in-law Etta Chilton, brother-in-law Peter Austin (Janice) plus niece Sarah (Lucas), nephews Ryan and Aaron (Priscilla), many cousins, and grandchildren and other family relations. She is predeceased by her parents Barney and Dorothy (nee Munro) Van Steinburg.

Donna was a woman who loved her family, friends, and many four-legged friends over her lifetime. She often cooked and baked for family and friends, a talent that was passed on to her son, Allan. She used secret ingredients and had treasured recipes. She enjoyed gardening, home decorating, and keeping her husband busy with many renovation projects. She always had music playing in the house and one repair shop asked what business her stereo was from due to how used it was! Donna was an avid crafter: over the year her crafts included macramé, pottery, and tole painting seasonal wooden decorations that her husband cut on his scroll saw. She also shared many hours making greeting cards with her daughter and friends. She was known as a bit of a lead foot which is why, if you needed to get somewhere in a hurry it was best to ask Donna for a ride!

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Vancouver Island Health Authority, BC Ambulance, BC Cancer Agency, Nanaimo Palliative Care, and to the many caregivers, friends, and neighbours who supported Donna during her illness with compassion and kindness - she was so grateful to them all.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring. Details will be posted to Donna’s Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation in Donna’s memory.