Obituary of Audrey Louise Donald

AUDREY LOUISE DONALD Obituary:

April 7, 1939 – November 3, 2022

     In the early hours of Nov. 3, 2022, Audrey passed away at the Big River Health Centre with her daughter and granddaughter at her side, she was 83 years of age.

     Audrey was born in Polwarth, SK at her grandparents’ farm.  She spent her early years attending different schools which were Millard Hill, Silent Call, Stump Lake, Park Valley and finally completed her grade 8 at Rabbit Bluff.

     She moved to Lake Cowichan, BC in 1955 at the age of 16 and this is where she met her husband, William Donald.  They were married in 1956 and had four children in Chemainus Hospital.

     Audrey, Bill and their four children moved to Saskatchewan in the spring of 1965 to take up farming near Bodmin, SK.  Audrey worked endless hours farming and raising her children.

     In 1977 Audrey took on employment at the Big River Tree Nursery and continued there until they closed the facility.  She then worked some camp jobs and cleaning jobs around the community.

     Audrey enjoyed many activities and hobbies throughout her life, which included Stock Car racing, Curling, Old Time dancing, she was an active member of the Kinette Club.  Audrey also enjoyed hockey as a spectator and took her Cow Bell to ring loud when Big River scored.  She also loved to knit, crochet and made many a quilt in her time.  She loved her garden and flowers, including an overabundance of house plants.  Audrey also loved the Rodeo and especially the Chuckwagon Races.

     Audrey was a social butterfly and gained many friends along her journey in life.  She loved to talk and spend time with her grandchildren.

     Audrey will be forever missed by her children: Lee (Margaret) Donald, Gary (Helen) Donald and Connie Donald.  Her Grandchildren: Christie April, Tyler (Danielle) April, Randy (Brittany) April, Melissa April (Adam Lakner), William Donald, Tammy (Tony) Serzisko, Jennifer (Keith) McLean, Cathy Donald (Weston Neufeld), Kelly Cornelson and Chandra (Kevin) Hamilton.  Her Great-Grandchildren: Brooke, Raquelle, Lily, Cody, Cash, Seth, Danika, Paisley, Indica, Emma, Mya, Cassidy, Eric, Devon, Aspen, Zoe, Dominic, Maverick, Bailee Jo, Ethan, Jeorgia, Jackson, Emilie, Zakk, Lucas, Abby, and Addison.  Her Great-Great Grandchildren: Harmony and Jasper.  Her siblings: Milton (Paulette) Schapansky, Marlene Rausch, Betty (Ben) Bittner, Diane Schapansky, James (Sherrill) Donald also numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

     Audrey was predeceased by her parents: Jake and Margaret Schapansky, her infant sister: Darlene, her husband: William Donald, her brother: Milen Schapansky, her daughter: Kim Donald, her sons-in-law: Mark Gerwing and Bruce Lund, her granddaughters: Jamie Johnston and Robin Donald, her grandson-in-law: Mike Martel and her friend/partner: George Gallo.

     A Celebration of Life Service will take place 1:00pm Saturday Nov. 12, 2022, at the Big River Community Hall with Pastor Jake McCrea officiating.  Interment will take place in the Big River Cemetery at a later date.

Friends so wishing may make donations to Lakewood Lodge Auxiliary, Box 100, Big River, SK or to Big River Christmas Organization, Box 203, Big River, SK S0J 0E0 in memory of Audrey Donald as tokens of remembrance.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, R. Mark Muir Funeral Director, Big River, SK (306) 469 - 2277.