In Memory of
Donna Joan Horne
“Today is my day!” Mom said, as she bravely MAID her way away from this earth. Special thank you to the doctors and nurses who facilitated Mom’s peaceful transition. Always a trailblazer and in charge and control of as many things as she could manage, it is no surprise to us that she chose to control her death. For the rest of us, we will grieve the loss of our matriarch.
Nearly 93, Donna was the eldest of three children and raised in Northern Ontario. She is predeceased by her husband Bob, and by her younger brother Gary Warner. She is survived by her loving sister Janet Gribbons. She leaves behind her five children, Deborah (Stephen) Glover, Doug (Debby), Bill (Kris), Sharon (Rob) Procter, and Kim (Dan) Serafini. She had 10 grandchildren, Jenna, Brad, Chris, Curtis, Keri, Robert, Charles, Anne, Lauren and David. Great grandchildren include Jameson, Lochlan, Ethan, Justin, Layla, Logan, Blake, Vivian, Oliver and Addison.
While raising her own family, Donna also welcomed many foster children into her home. With a scholarship, she later earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree at Laurentian University. She worked for the Children’s Aid Society for many years, rescuing children from unfit homes. Summers were spent at the family camp. Winter weekends she and Bob would hit the slopes. Donna was awarded Ski Patroller of the Year in her first season on the job. Interested in real estate, Donna and Bob bought and sold many homes. She stayed up-to-date with the decorating trends. She was a fashionista, a bargain shopper, and a wicked negotiator. Her best finds were at Value Village. She loved her garden and always looked forward to the next time her hands could get dirty with her flowers. Early spring both she and Bob would eagerly chop up the ice on the street to make the drains run hoping to expedite the spring thaw. This process, called ‘Whitfording,’ after elderly Mr. Whitford, a childhood neighbor, would be passed down to the younger generations. Mom was a great story teller. She was proficient on the computer and was always interested in world events, having a great recall of historic happenings. She loved to read, and jigsaw puzzles have been on the kitchen table every day for many years.
As we pass traditions on to our children and grandchildren, we recognize that many of them came from her! We will remember her when we are in the garden, in the snow, in the bush and at the lake. We will never have a better butter tart, pie, brownie, scone or chocolate cake. It was great to have a baker as a mom.
She spent the last seven months at VIVA Retirement Home where she made many new friends, and was tended to by wonderful nurses. Thank you to the personal support workers who provided Mom with personal care, most especially Elizabeth who gave Mom daily hugs, encouragement and always made sure she looked her best.
Mom wanted us to know that it’s okay to be sad that she is gone, but to be happy for her as leaving us now is what she wants. She looks forward to meeting up with Bob with whom she shared more than 66 years of marriage. Dad liked to say that their love was like a red, red rose that’s newly sprung in June. She says they are going to their happy hunting ground. In lieu of flowers, the family (and Mom) have designated Dying With Dignity Canada, and Ian Anderson House for memorial contributions. As per her wishes, Donna will be cremated and there will be no service.