Tribute

Donna was born in Vancouver during the Second World War to Florence Delmage and George McKenzie. She grew up in Youbou with her parents Florence and Howard (Del) Delmage and her big brother Lyle and her younger brother Dale. Donna went to Yount Elementary School and Lake Cowichan Secondary School.

She had many friends and many suitors! Donna loved to dance, winning numerous jive competitions! She placed second in an Island Event! Donna loved music. She went to an Elvis concert but was unfortunately shut down after a few songs. As kids, we were subjected to all the greats of Rock and Roll and Country. Especially Elvis, Johnny Cash and Johnny Horton.

It was in Youbou where she met her future husband, Terry Gregson. After high school Donna moved to Victoria to work and worked in a bank. Terry kept pursuing Donna and they were married June 24, 1961. They moved to Duncan and lived in a rental while building their house on 46 acres that Terry had purchased.

They were in their new home when their first son Trevor was born on May 27, 1962. Just prior to Trevor’s birth, Terry had severely broken his leg while riding a horse. The three of them were in the hospital together! Terry had to stay in the hospital longer, while Donna was at home with her newborn and tending to the farm animals. Terry and Donna had three more children, Travis, Trent and finally a girl! Vienna. Donna went back to work in the Duncan branch of the CIBC where she worked until she retired.

Donna was very proud of her Irish and Scottish heritage. She loved her Irish grandmother and was
enthralled with her stories. This led to Donna becoming a great storyteller. She should have been a writer! She would tell us Irish stories filled with spooky tales about her ancestors, ghosts, banshees and candles that would move by themselves. There was a story about a family friend whose ear was severed by a sword in her house after he betrayed them. Donna would make up stories on the fly. Her grandchildren were absolutely fascinated by them. One of her favourites were the naughty owls that lived in the attic. Endless hours of this tale was told to her grandchildren and her great grandchildren!

The kids loved Grandma’s button box! The grandkids loved to sort through them. So many treasures! And countless batches of button soup were made! There is no way to express the love Donna had for her Grandkids and her Great Grandkids! She had nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren! She would light up whenever she saw them or even mentioned them.

Donna was a person who called a spade a spade! She was a strong spirited woman. The same was said
about her mother Florence! No filter applied! Hospital staff and long-term care staff often got the brunt of it. There were no exceptions. Donna was a mamma bear. If you crossed one of her family, lookout! Donna passed at Cerwydden where she was a resident.

Donna is predeceased by her parents, Florence and Del, father George, brother Lyle, brother Dale,
nephew Robin and her husband Terry. She leaves behind Trevor, Daniel & Amber, Oliver, Noah & Jack, Chadd & Courtney, Isla, Tanai and Trish. Travis & Shannon, Curtis & Morgan, Palmer, Reese & Wallen, Jonathan. Trent & Lesli, Brady & Bowen, and Connor. Vienna & Maurizio, Milan & London. Her best friend Marlene, longtime friend & Cousin Marilyn and her sister-in-law Betty, many nephews and nieces and many other relatives.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff for helping to make her comfortable. Thank you, Diane, and staff! What a fantastic team.

Goodbye mom. We will forever miss you.