What amazing woman  our beloved sister sister in law Donna was!
A wonderful life well lived to serve and help others.
So honouring to hear how well loved and respected she was among so many lives.
We are so thankful for the love  and respect she gave to Wayne all their 33 years of happiness together.
Donna will be cherished & remembered in many hearts for ever.
She had many titles in  her lifetime.  Wife, Mother,Sister,Gramma, Great Gramma, Friend.Sister-In- Law.. Now name is in the biggest guestbook.  The Book of Life.
Peace and Comfort of the Lord Jesus Christ to all.
Blessings in His Name
Doris& Bob

Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.   With deepest sympathies.    The Reynolds Family

Miss Donna

Rod and I meet Donna in the nineties re-enacting, you were a wonderful inspiration to us and I'm sure many others.  You always had an infectious smile and a kind word.  I for one remember,  you made a dream come true for me, at last I got to be a Callander Girl (guy) many thanks.

What can one say you have been loved by many and will be missed by all.

God Speed Our Friend
Soar With Your Loved Ones

Wayne and Family
Our deepest Condolences and Heartfelt Thoughts are with you and Your Family

Rod Brookbanks & Linda Duval
Retired 9th New York Cavalry 

We met Donna  when we went to Gettysburg along with a bunch of Spaniards, a few years ago. Although we hardly spent time together, she was very tender and took care of all of us. She always thought of us and never forgot a Christmas card ever since. This year, for the first time, we missed it. We will miss you! 

Such a wonderful person. I have not gotten to know you for very long but I will remember you as a loving Mother and Grandmother.  You will be missed by many. R.I.P. Donna. God has gained another Angel. 

I worked with Donna for many years at Canada Post and she was a very special lady.  She always had a smile and was very happy with her life.  She will be missed by many.
Wayne and family I am so sorry for your loss, the good ones should never be taken so early.

Susan

As I read through all these tributes to you, Donna, so wonderfully written it so expresses that you are being missed more than words can express. You touched so many lives with your friendship, your laughter, your sense of adventure and history but most of all your love. So many people are honored that you came into their lives and shared with them wonderful moments- memories that will live forever. 
(Donna is my sister-in-law-she is a sister-in-law to eight other of Wayne's siblings and their spouses. And she is an aunt to many, many, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews). 
Donna, you are loved and you will never be forgotten.  
 

Donna

On a grassy old ridge, atop a small hill
there stands a large tree, so quiet and still

And under that tree, you’ll find many large stones
not far beneath which, rest many o’ bones

And down from the stones, stretches a bit of a field
a small patch of dirt many of men would not yield

In that field grows tall grass wheat, and flowers
and with rake hoe and shovel, she’d toil for hours

To the field ‘twas a gift from her hands and her heart
that virtuous self, drove her to do good from the start

Though she ventured that way only once in each year
the men resting in the ground, how their spirits did cheer

For they’d fought for our right to do near as we please
and they died for their beliefs though not at all with an ease

There’s was a hard life full of scrabble and scrape
and like us from death there could be no escape

They had chosen their path, knew of what they were giving
they’d fought for a place which to leave to the living

And just like these souls, she lived, worked and died
but for all years to come, she’ll still stand by our side

Her arms always wide open, like branches to hold you
and her laughter once heard left all smiling right through

She gave of herself like not many before her
and holes she’ll be leaving in hearts still astir

And all that did know her, wish her nothing but good
and goodness and love to those she leaves where she stood

But as we go forward, we’re tasked to recall
that after the tears and folding the pall

She’ll be here still to help show us the way
in all of our times, through work, rest and play

Like the tree, she was grounded, steady and firm
and she gave love and took it, her fullness of term

And know she will revel in her new-found glory
taking part with them all in her beloved old story

For remember ourselves, that now Donna can see
the men in the field ‘neath the rocks and the tree


I never met Donna in person, but we shared many an evening in the Hornby Eagles chat and even had a few telephone conversations. I learned a lot from Donna about the Civil War -  I had never known about the Canadian involvement (not to mention Miss Annabelle and the iron skillet!).  Donna had an artist's eye, as her photos from Hornby Island and other places revealed; an artist's hand, as seen in the few paintings she showed me; and an infinitely generous soul, as evidenced by her spontaneous gift-giving nature. As much as she loved the eagles and all creatures, her family was clearly first and foremost in her heart. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of this strong and lovely woman and may you find some peace in knowing how many people loved and admired her.

I had the privilege of working with Donna this past Fall when she brought her crew to Gettysburg to help care for Devils Den and the Triangular Field. Donna and Wayne were extremely gracious and welcoming, and made me feel like I knew them for years. She was my ray of sunshine that weekend! Donna's passion for the memory of the soldiers who fought and died at Gettysburg was both admirable and humbling.  The Adopt-A-Position program is a little less strong without Donna. Saying she will be missed is a tremendous understatement. On behalf of Gettysburg National Military Park, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to Donna's family and friends. 


Donna Elliott Reflections
Now beyond her epic struggle for health and for life,  
our Donna Elliott now joins those who have completed their mortal journey;
think of the young soldiers she so passionately honored in her Civil War reenactments project. 
and daughter Kim, who passed away a year ago, and  many more whom she loved.
With great reluctance, Donna has left behind her human family.
And she has put aside her nature conservancy and her eagle protection project. 
In truth Donna's entire story has been about honoring  life and protecting nature. 
Donna impacted everyone and everyone is missing her now. 
With her passing, the magnificent eagles of Hornby Island (BC) have lost a great supporter and protector in Donna.
Perhaps their hearts are heavy without their passionate advocate.
Or possibly, there in the eagle world, between heaven and earth, these rulers of the sky may now have new life force,
a living energy from their friend Donna, who is now free from her suffering and transcendent beyond mortal limitations.
Maybe not just for the eagles...Perhaps going forward, Donna may also become the wind beneath the wings of those she loved.
Our sadness from losing this amazing person is tempered by our gratitude,
that such a lovely giving person shared her life with us and brightened our days,
God Speed! Safe journey Donna! And comfort to your beautiful family and  all those you loved.
Hugh Siddall MD MCFP. 



Donna. This site does not provide enough space for me to share my thoughts and feelings so I will have to make this as brief as I can. You taught me how to enjoy life  and do what makes you happy regardless what others might say or think. You taught me the meaning of true  friendship. You taught me to give back to your community and to help others because it is the right thing to do, not because you expect something in return. You taught me to follow a path of doing what's right regardless of opposition. You taught me to lead by example and when you make a commitment follow through with it.  

I could go on but I think you know how I feel. The world is better because of you. You have touched so many lives and will continue to do so for many years to come. Although you have left us physically you will never leave me spiritually. I know you will continue to look after Wayne, your grandchildren, your extended family,  & all those who loved you.  It has been an honour and a privilege to call you my friend, mentor, teacher. May you continue doing the good work in heaven as you've done on earth. Love you forever

Hartley  

I'm so fortunate to have met Donna, and though we only spent short periods of time together, her warmth and kindness always put me at ease, her passion for history and her dedication to her beloved witness tree never failed to inspire me... and her devilish sense of humor reminded me to NEVER underestimate her!

The picture I have added here is not glamorous, but it represents the Donna I knew - devoted, hard working, thoughtful and loving. I cannot claim to have known Donna well, but I knew her well enough to like her immensely, and long enough to consider her a true friend.  I'll miss her very much.

My thought are with Wayne and the rest of Donna's family and friends. I am so very sorry for your loss, and for us all. Donna was a rare and wonderful woman, and the world was a better place with her in it. 

I will always remember how welcoming Donna was when I joined the ACWHRS.  She was so strong and faithful to the history and story of this period and worked so hard to keep it alive for us.  We kept in touch, after I had to stop re-enacting and I will miss her humour and support. My deepest condolences to you, Wayne and your family. I am keeping you all in my prayers

Cathie

I met Donna on the Hornby Eagle chat -- we all watched our beloved Phoenix hatch, grow and then leave us - leaving us to grieve over her short life.  Phoenix never got to fledge -- our Donna, however, HAS fledged and is flying free with Phoenix.  May God send His richest blessings to her family - know that she was loved by many including me.   Even though I never met her in person, I felt that I knew her - both through the Hornby eagles and the re-enactments she shared with us.

I met Donna on eaglecam when we all watched and cried over Phoenix.   We were all so touched by this young eagles short life and now Donna is soring with Phoenix. When Donna and Wayne were at Fort Erie, for one of their re-enactments Donna invited me and my husband to come and visit and meet them there. She gave me a beautiful hand painted glass wall hanging of an eagle. It was extra special because I certainly didn't expect a gift and one so special. I'll treasure it always.
RIP Special Lady
Hawkeye
Lily Montgomery
 

I also met Donna through the Hornby Eagle Chat and later on FB. 
My life is richer for having her in it and learning about re-enactments and dedication.
Donna was a special soul and it shows in her eyes.
 

The world has lost a kind and wonderful woman!! I met Donna online about a decade ago, we shared the love of an island and the eagles there.  We shared tears and laughs and so many friends.  Donna will be missed dearly by so many. She touched the lives of all she met.  Thank you for touching me and being my friend, I will miss you!   To Donna’s family and friends, my deepest condolences to you all.  Xoxox Batgirl

Much can be said about Donna’s devotion to and love of history.  Her enthusiasm.  Her generosity.  Her kind heart.

Thanks to Donna’s efforts, at the 150th anniversary of Appomattox, we got to honour, as individuals, the men of  the 10th LA who persevered the storm and surrendered with R E Lee.  A very special and unique memory.

Wayne and Donna returning to Gettysburg year after year to help honour those Canadians buried in the National Cemetery and to tend to that hallowed ground, and keep the Witness Tree healthy and strong...very special.

Miss you Donna.  Memories of your  “laugh” will always bring a smile.

Martha and Jamie

Dear Wayne and family,

Please accept, on behalf of our 4th Michigan Members, our deepest condolences in Donna’s passing.
 
Speaking personally, when I think of Donna, I will always remember the first time we actually met, at the Milton 2015 ACWHRS event.  Yours and Donna’s first words to me were:  “are you hungry?” as you had hamburgers and hot dogs available for all re-enactors who arrived on the Friday.  
 
Subsequently, at every drill we had coffee and donuts provided by you and Donna.  If a “soirée” was organized, Donna made sure there was sufficient food to “feed an army”.  To her, we were more than a community – we were family.
 
We share in your loss – it is a loss to all of us who got to know Donna.  If there is some comfort at this moment, is the knowledge that Donna is no longer in pain, but is in the arms of our Lord and re-united with your daughter.  The Bible talks in the Book of Ecclesiastes about “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (3:4 NIV).  May this difficult time of grief be, in time, replaced with warm and fond memories of time spent together.  That is my prayer for you and your family.
 
God bless you,
 
Alan Mac Donald
 
4th Michigan, Company C

How many wonderful times did we have sitting around a campfire talking and singing ?
Donna, we will miss your laugh and your enthusiasm. your photography and fabulous sandwiches.
You were one of the kindest people we have ever met. You even had connections at the North Pole and made sure Keelin and Declan heard directly from Santa at Christmas.

God Bless your memory and your family.
Rest Easy Sister.

Ollie and Heidi Claffey



Donna was a founding member of our Hornby Eagle Group (HEGPS), and served as president for a short time.  

She loved eagles, and Hornby Island which she visited several times.  I met her in October 2013 when she attended an eagle release.  She was delighted to be able to release an eagle (Salal) that had been in rehab at Mountainaire Avian Rescue, an organization which she supported enthusiastically.

Donna will be very much missed by us.

Here are some photos I took  at the time of the eagle release - she was so excited!



So happy to have had the opportunity to have been friends with Donna through the eagle web cam and chat.  She enjoyed being there on Hornby.  I am so glad we had some phone calls (that gal from Nebraska) .  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Deb

Here is Donna in 2016 enjoying Hornby Island!
i LOVED having you here Donna,  & so did Otto.
Wish you could come back one more time...
Missing you, Donna...
~love boonibarb

Donna and I met through the Hornby Eagle Group, and then  traveled to Hornby Island together several times.  We got along like sisters, arguing one minute and laughing like crazy the next.  I have come to think of "Damn it" as an endearment. 
I live in Massachusetts, so traveling to a remote island two ferries away from Vancouver Island and then “living together” for the time we were there, gave us a LOT of time to talk.  Wayne, my deepest sympathies to you on your loss. You were her heart-side. Brittany, know that she will be with you as you walk down that aisle.  Her many other family members, she loved you with all of her heart!  To her re-enactment group, I am sorry for your loss as well.  She certainly loved the time that you all spent together.
Fly free my friend, my sister….I am so honored to have known you, and shared so many wonderful times together.  You will live in my memories and in my heart.  
You made me a better person. DAMN IT


My deepest condolences to Donna's family.

I first met Donna through the Hornby Eagles live web cam, then when she came to Vancouver Island & Hornby Island for  visits  we would get together.  We spent a lot of time together on her visits & had a lot of fun, she was such a wonderful person.  RIP Donna you will be missed ♥

Here is Donna, enjoying her time on Hornby Island, BC in 2016.
i am SO HAPPY you could come & enjoy Hornby, Donna.
We miss you terribly.
~love boonibarb

Wayne & Family
 My condolences to the loss of a great lady. 
Gary Glaser 
9th NY Cavalry


We had so much fun as a group, like sisters, watching the Hornby eagles together.  We'll miss you and your stories about re-enacting.

I remember how generous you were, with the Christmas celebrations at the postal facility.

(((Hugs)))

Tigerlady105/Cathy G.

Donna you had such a love for history, and I was blessed to have shared so many memories at events, our shopping trips to that special store in Gettysburg, where you purchased your Gone With The Wind, plates, and surprising me with a beautiful keepsake from that store. Our wonderful trip To Charleston, South Carolina.  I remember how you and Dennis kept a secret where you helped him arrange a surprise 50th Birthday party for me at Niagara On The Lake AND the biggest surprise was our 25th Wedding Anniversary at Milton.  I can still hear you singing when I am trying to sleep in my Tent, I'm A Good Old Rebel and that is what you were.  I will miss you so much. Love you my sweet friend, until we meet again.

Donna has always loved animals, wild or domesticated. They seemed to have a special connection. Last June (2018), Donna and I spent a few days holidaying in Old Quebec City. I think the highlight of the trip for her was a horse and carriage ride. After the carriage ride, the horse, Nellie, stepped up on the sidewalk to come closer to “chat” with Donna who was beaming from ear to ear!

I’m feeling so heartbroken at the loss of my dear sister-in-law, Donna. She was certainly a special lady as you well know. She deeply loved her family as well as her other family, the Civil War Re-enactors. Donna was a great “Southern Belle” and will be forever missed. 
Love, Donna McQuay (Wayne’s sister)

We only met in person for four days, but we were old friends long before that, when we began to exchange emails so the little miracle of getting a bunch of Spaniards into the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg could come true. And it did. You and all the members of the ACWHRS made it possible and I will always be grateful for that. But moreover I am grateful for the bond we shared, that invisible thread.
I enjoyed our chats online, and the way you made me smile. I am smiling right now just thinking about you. That's who you are: someone who brings love and joy. I was so happy I could tell you just a couple of weeks ago how much you mean to me and how much I love you, and that I could share with you some confidences.
Your warmth and love will always be with me. 
Whenever I see an eagle, I know you'll be around.

To Wayne and the rest of the family, my deepest condolences and my love. Donna will always be in our hearts. 

My wife Shirley and I send our sincere condolences to Wayne, his family and loved ones. Donna was a very special lady as well as a generous, considerate person.
She  gave me several pictures that she took during my Civil War re-enacting years and was always a good friend with a friendly smile. God bless you Donna.
Sincerely,
Terry Murphy 

I will never forget Donna and her warm hospitality to a bunch of Spaniards during the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg reenactment. She was so generous to stay in touch with all of us online after that, I was always comforted by her kind messages and enthusiastic presence in the hobby. Your light shines on, Donna. 

A big, warm hug to Wayne and my best wishes of strenght, hope and resilience to all of Donna's family and friends.

This picture is of Donna, Wayne, Beverley and Brian at the Cotillion Ball, April, 2014.

Wayne & Family,  We are so honoured to have known Donna.  There are so many good memories, fun times that we will always have of being with Donna.  May you & your family find comfort in our thoughts & prayers.  

Tom & Bev Poustie
9th New York Cavalry, Co.A

To Wayne and Family,

We are all so saddened to hear of the passing of Donna.
So many of us here at Westfield have very fond memories of the fun she brought to the Civil War Re-enactments at Westfield Heritage Village.

She will be fondly remembered and our thoughts are with you at this time.

Rondalyn

Yesterday, you left us. You will always remain to me a magnificent lady. We met in Gettysburg and shared the most wonderful four days. Those four days bounded us forever despite the ocean between us. The best ones always go first, but I do believe you’re in a better place now and you’ll be keeping an eye on your favourite scroundel. I love you, Donna Elliot, and even it’s a real sad day, I know your resting now.

Dear Wayne and family:
Our Donna was such a vital part of the Re-enacting Community, that it is hard to imagine going forward without her.  No-one could ever take her place. Her warmth and ready laughter always brightened everyone's day.

As long as we live, we will cherish the many, rich memories that she gave us.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant ".

In loving memory,
Miss Beverley and Padre Brian,
4th Michigan State Volunteers 
A.C.W.H.R.S.

OBITUARY

Donna Jean Elliott

October 6, 1944 – February 12, 2019

Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home

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