Obituary of Donna Doreen Stella Wright
WRIGHT, Donna Doreen Stella
January 9th, 1954 – June 3rd, 2022
It is with deep sadness that the family of Donna Wright (nee Kowal) announces her passing on Friday, June 3rd, 2022 at the age of 68. After a short battle with lung cancer, Donna passed peacefully; surrounded by her loving husband, Michael, and closest family.
Donna was predeceased by her parents, Steven and Dora Kowal; and older sisters, Martha Kabay and Anne Turta. Donna will be lovingly remembered and cherished by her husband of 48 years, Michael (Saskatoon); son, Jason (Leann) (Saskatoon); grandchildren, Jonah (Maddy) and Hannah; son, Jared (Chelsea) (Saskatoon); grandchildren, Sienna and Lachlan; and sisters Sylvia Dudiak (Orest)(Yorkton) and Mary Yagelniski (Kamsack).
Donna was born in Norquay, SK. and raised on the homestead farm in the Glen Elder District. She attended Swan Bluff School until she moved to Saskatoon in 1966, with her parents, where she completed her schooling at Nutana Collegiate. After she attended Walter Murray secretarial school, she began working as an office administrative assistant in various capacities, including 15 years for IBEW 529. A very meticulous person, Donna kept her bosses and later, her doctors in line. She was particular how she wanted things and always for good reason; everything she did was correct and proper the first time.
As her sons were growing, Donna enjoyed taking them camping and fishing, going to the bowling centre in winter and to the ball diamonds in the summer, where she watched them flourish at these sports. She was known to spend many nights, even into the wee hours playing cards with family and friends. She enjoyed spending time in her bountiful garden often with her grandkids harvesting behind her, or on the deck with her kids and a strong batch of Mai Tai. Her grandkids were her pride and joy. Anytime babysitting was needed, Grandma was ready with a big smile, a baking project, fun activity, or adventure planned, leaving lasting memories for them.
Family always came first for Donna. She loved having family gatherings and cooking. Every Christmas Eve she prepared a traditional twelve- dish Ukrainian feast. This meal is a cherished tradition that she would enjoy with her closest family and there was always room at the table to welcome any other friends and relatives who showed up.
As retirement came about, Donna enjoyed annual trips with her husband Mike such as Alaska, Australia, and several Caribbean islands.
There are so few people left in the world with the level of patience, work ethic, and kindness that she had. “She was awesome”.
Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and care staff of the surgical and oncology wards at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. They kept a close watch over Donna, working tirelessly to treat her with gentle care, kindness, dignity and respect in her most difficult final journey.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Donna’s memory to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan or the RUH Foundation.