With dignity and grace, Donna Carol Butcher passed away on the morning of Sunday, November 17th, 2024. Donna left this world surrounded by her children and grandchildren as she gained her wings to join beloved son Kevin Allen Douglas and granddaughter Kalee Elizabeth.
Donna was born in Fort William on September 10, 1945. She grew up on Twin City Crossroads with her brother Delbert and enjoyed many summers at the family camp in Cloud Bay. Later, Donna attended Westgate High School and King’s Business College. While raising two daughters, Donna built a successful business from the ground up, “Madgical’s Golf Kingdom”. She later worked for over 20 years at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit where she gained many wonderful lifelong friends including Carol, Pat and Betty.
Donna embraced every step of life’s journey with a sense of courage and humour. She was a creative person who was well-known for her passion for art, gardening, and pets, especially her little dog ZhaZha and cat Salem. Donna cherished time with her grandchildren, who always came home with stories about their adventures. At Roseview, her home in later years, she cultivated friendships, advocated for residents and staff, and brightened the halls with her paintings. Donna overcame many challenges to stay active. She could frequently be seen cruising around town in her bejeweled scooter, attending local events, feeding the birds, and working on her creative projects at Roseview like her custom bird bath.
Donna leaves behind her brother Delbert Butcher (Scarlette), daughters Dwana Kamstra and Laura-Lea Young (Don), grandchildren Adam Madge (Breanne), Hailey Franklin (AJ), Rhiannon (Eric) and Ellecia (Keith) Kamstra, great granddaughter Meadow Franklin, nieces Tara Butcher, Cindy and Cheryl Larson, and Lisa Halter, and nephew Stephen Butcher. Donna was predeceased by her parents Lily and Albert Butcher, sisters Joyce Larson and Shirley Agastus, brothers Jake Butcher and Barry and Laurence Malmgren, nephews Larry and Lloyd Larson, son Kevin, and granddaughter Kalee.
While deeply saddened by her passing, we will all cherish our memories as we move forward with strength and gratitude, just like Donna taught us. A heartfelt thanks to some very special staff at Roseview for the compassion and care you provided our beautiful mom, to family members who travelled to be with Donna over these past few weeks, and to minister Howard Hunt for his care and words of comfort. A private family service was held this Friday.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
