(nee Fotheringham)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Mary Nelmes on April 15, 2008. With her family at her side, she passed away in Chilliwack General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
Donna was born in Rouleau, Saskatchewan on November 16, 1929 as the oldest of four children. As a child she lived in Hearne, Saskatchewan. In 1942 the family moved to Sardis as father, Douglas Fotheringham, was among the first contingent to occupy CFB Chilliwack. It was at Chilliwack High School that Donna met her true love, Owen Nelmes. They have very special memories of roller-skating to the songs of Glen Miller at the outdoor roller rink at Cultus Lake. The two were married in 1952 at Carman United Church, then Donna worked at her career as a dental assistant in Vancouver while Owen finished in the Faculty of Pharmacy at UBC. They spent 12 years in Kelowna and after moving back to Chilliwack in 1969 became active in drug store ownership. Donna was very musical and sang in the Kinette Choir in Kelowna, Sweet Adelines, and the Festival Chorus Choir in Chilliwack. She passed on her passion for music to her children and grandchildren where she devoted her love and energy.
Donna is survived by her loving husband Owen; son, Brad (Debi); daughter, Mary-Ann (Doug); son, Jeff (Camille); grandchildren: Jodi, Jackie, Carley, Kyle, Meagan, Alexis, and Lauren; and one great-grandchild Jayden. Also survived by sister Irene McEown (Don); brothers: Allan Fotheringham (Ann), and John Fotheringham (Gail) and many nieces and nephews. Donna was predeceased by her infant son Andrew, father John Scott, adoptive father Douglas Fotheringham, and mother Edna Fotheringham. Special thanks to Judy Thibault and Cathy McNabb for their care and compassion to our mother.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Carman United Church in Sardis on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
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