It is with broken hearts for the loss and gratitude for the time we shared that we announce the passing of our cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Gwen Donald. Family was everything to Gwen and she was surrounded by many who loved her as she left us at the age of 88. We know that this loss is felt so deeply because she was so immensely loved, and we were so incredibly fortunate to have her as our family's matriarch.
Gwen was born in Drumheller, AB, and lived in Rosedale, AB, until her early 20's. It was then she met the love of her life, George, with whom she would share 63 devoted years of marriage.
Gwen married George in 1961 and they were blessed with three daughters, who brought Gwen so much joy. Gwen loved hosting Sunday family dinners, baking her famous chocolate chip cookies and having friends and relatives stop by the house to visit. Having her family around was everything to Gwen.
Gwen started working at the CIBC bank right out of high school and continued working at various CIBC and Scotiabank locations as her family moved throughout Canada for George's role with the RCMP.
After retirement, George and Gwen shared their time between their home in St. Albert and their farm in Saskatchewan, the latter where they spent their summers with their children and grandchildren. They also enjoyed travelling and meeting extended family overseas, taking them to Scotland, England, Wales, Australia and New Zealand.
Gwen's greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. She attended every birthday party, sporting event, dance performance, school function and important milestone of all her grandchildren. As her family all lived in St. Albert, she saw her children and grandchildren nearly every day. She was particularly overjoyed to be promoted to 'great grandma' and loved her great grandchildren with all her heart.
Left behind to mourn her loss and hold dear the countless wonderful memories of her life are her husband, George, and her three daughters Heather (Greg), Janine (Garth), and Michelle (Jason). She will be forever missed and loved by her grandchildren, Jory (Dave), Danika (Frank), Riley (Jayda), Paige (Tyler), Katia (Shannon), Tate (Hannah) and Colby, as well as her great grandchildren, Lux, Sawyer, Kye and Crew.
Gwen also leaves her sister, Judy Meade, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her Mom and Dad, Betty and Andrew Kayens.
Gwen taught us all unconditional love and always emphasized the importance of family. We are grateful to her for creating such a strong family bond that will carry us through this time of grief together. With Gwen in our lives, no member of our family ever went a single day without feeling loved, encouraged, heard or that we had someone 'on our side' rooting for us, no matter what.
The Donald Family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at the Youville Home for their kindness, care and dedication.
A memorial service to celebrate Gwen’s life will be held at 2pm on Thursday, August 28th at the St. Albert United Church.
