Donna Carlson

Donna Marie Carlson
March 26, 1948 – August 3, 2015

Donna Marie Carlson, aged 67, passed away on August 3, 2015 at her home in Maple Ridge, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Donna was born March 26, 1948, in New Westminster, British Columbia, the daughter of Frederick Robert Gosling and Rose Marie Gosling.

Donna, the youngest of three, was a sweet little girl who rarely left her daddy’s side. She was truly the apple of his eye. She had also captured the heart of her granddad, who lavished special attention and love on his beloved granddaughter. Donna had her hard working and family focused mother, Rose Marie to look up to, and definitely followed in her footsteps when it came to caring for her children and grandchildren.

Intelligent and determined, Donna graduated from Como Lake High School and then Vancouver General Hospital where she became a registered nurse. She spent thirty years working as a nurse and found her passion in the field of maternity. She retired from Maple Ridge Hospital in 1998 after sharing her gift and helping to bring little bundles of joy into the world for countless families.

In 1982, Donna married the love of her life, Bob, and they combined their two families into one. They bought acreage in Whonnock where they dabbled in farming and endeavored to teach their children the value of hard work. Donna and Bob thoroughly enjoyed sailing, traveling and spending time with their growing family. They became members of the Maple Ridge Power Squadron where they made life-long friendships, took trips and acted as President and Treasurer for many years.

After Donna retired from nursing she continued working together with Bob to run Adanac Pattern Shop as well as their other business ventures. Donna continued to manage their properties and management company all on her own until recently, when she became too sick to do so.

When Bob passed away, Donna’s one regret was that they didn’t get to travel to all the places they had planned. So, in true independent Donna style, she joined a travel club and saw the world on her own. Thailand, Vietnam, Italy, France, and the Galapagos Islands were just a few of her travel adventures.

Donna was also an active member of the Maple Ridge community. She was a member of the Garden Club where she made many friends and volunteered at numerous community events. She also volunteered at the Act Theatre where she helped with ticket sales, ushering and welcoming patrons. She always said her favourite thing was to talk to the children performers and give them words of encouragement before they went on.

It was plainly obvious to anyone who met her, that Donna’s pride and joy in her life was her family, and especially her grandchildren. Her “little angels” she called them. She absolutely lit up when they came near and always had a special hug, encouraging word and a ‘treat’ for each of them. Grandma’s love was truly unconditional. She attended countless sporting events, concerts, talents shows, you name it, because what was important to them was important to her. She was their cheerleader. Donna instigated an annual family trips to Osoyoos in honour of Bob, who had always wanted to start such a tradition for their grandchildren.

Donna devoted her life to helping others. Whether with a kind word, a hug, or a helping hand she always had time for someone who needed a little extra care. She did her part, in so many ways and for so many people, to make the world a better place to be. She was a friend to all and an inspiration to many…and she will be missed dearly.

Donna is survived by her four children, Christy and her husband Dennis with son Declan; Grant and his children Caitlin, Emily, Thomas and William; Selena and her husband Ryan with their boys Noah and Caleb; and Stacey with her partner Bryce.

Donna is also survived by her two brothers, Harold and his wife Linda and their children Paula, Chad and Brian; and Bernie and his wife Cheryl with their two sons Mitchel and Christopher.
She was also blessed with numerous nieces and nephews, their wives, children and extended families