Dona Adaline Devine (nee Peterson) was born on July 10, 1927 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Dona was an extraordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life full of many changes and adventures. She was the 9th of 11 children born to her Icelandic parents, Ben and Ranka Peterson. Her older sisters were either talented cooks, seamstresses or athletes so Dona chose a different path – music and drama. Music became a lifelong passion. Dona joined her first choir at a very early age and continued her chorale work until her 90th year. Dona met the love of her life, Jack Devine, a budding geologist, when she was 17 years old. Jack’s geology career began in Edmonton, Alberta where all of their 5 children were born. Shortly thereafter a whirlwind of moves began – Edmonton-Calgary-Dawson Creek-Dhahran, Saudi Arabia-Edmonton-Calgary-Tripoli, Libya-Dhahran-Dubai-and finally Victoria to retire in the mid 1990’s.
Traveling to the Middle East with 5 kids in tow in the late 1960’s caused some to remark -” You must be utterly mad!” and others to exclaim “They must have really wanted Jack because no one hires someone with 5 children!!” But all of those moves were where the fun began for Dona. She adapted to her new environments with ease, re-inventing herself over the years as a teacher, television show creator, tour guide, massage therapist, art and textile expert, and -last but not least – a water aerobics instructor extolling the virtues of exercise to any and all who would listen. We have many fond memories of Dona teaching water aerobics in her backyard pool with “the girls”, everyone laughing while she bossed them around, convincing them to do the craziest things.
Dona enjoyed meeting new people from all walks of life -” Everyone has a story!” and she loved hearing them all. Her greatest love, however, was for her family – her husband, children and her 14 grandchildren whom she thought without exception were truly brilliant. Her and Jack’s greatest success was to somehow, in all of the chaos, create a family environment where everyone loves each other and wants to be together. The bonds are tight, the ties run deep. “We are lucky ducks!” Dona lived her life on her terms much like the Queen – never complain, never explain! Her motto in life – “You’ve gotta keep rocking!!” We chuckle to think of poor old St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, who we can only assume has completely lost control upon her arrival.
Our family is forever indebted to Erma, Mohammed, Gigi and Beth who cared for Dona and Jack with such love and devotion which allowed them both to remain in their own home. A remarkable feat especially in these trying times. We would also like to thank Dr. Dowler who met the force that was Dona with good humour and equanimity, and her “Swim Group Girls” who continued to visit and cheer her on. Dona is predeceased by her daughter Barbara and her husband Jack. She is survived by her children Rick (Barbara), Pete (Laura), Wendy (Brian), Jeff (Rita), her 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Dona truly “lived well, laughed often and loved much”. She will be missed.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Barbara Jean Devine
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Sherry Maceachern c/o Christine Rutherford This is a memory from Dona’s best friend of eighty years:
In Saskatoon Dona and I attended two different schools three blocks apart. I went to St. Joseph’s (Catholic) School while Dona went to Victoria (Protestant) School. The Victorians were our biggest foes in softball, hockey, track and field. There was only one high school in the area —- Nutana Collegiate —- so both school’s Grade 8 graduates turned up to register together.
The first day —- Grade 9 —- I sat next to a girl from Victoria. She turned to me and said, “Hi! I’m Dona!” My reply: “I’m Sherry.” It was the start of an eighty year friendship.
One of our Nutana teachers wrote the words and music to a musical —- ‘The Rose of Valoria’. Dona was a singer and starred as one of the ‘roses’. I was no singer but did manage to be one of the back-up dancers in the show. At university she continued to be a ‘star’ performer, appearing in two or more stage productions.
At the end of a three year ‘arts’ degree we both applied for a Bachelor of Education. We also practice-taught together. At one of the local schools the Grade 1 teacher assigned us a song to teach her class —- ‘I’m a little teapot, short and stout, etc, etc.’ Dona played the piano while I waved a hand to the beat. The teacher left the room (probably for a coffee) and I yelled, ‘Hit it, Dona!’ She added a boogie beat while I grabbed an umbrella by the door and danced a fair imitation of Fred Astaire. When we heard the teacher returning we went back to the ‘sedate’ version. One of the Grade 1 boys snapped his fingers. I said, “Yes?”
“I liked the way you did it when our teacher was out of the room.”
Perhaps that’s why on our separate diplomas it stated: Should not teach below Grade Six.
Thereafter our paths diverged. She taught on one side of the province while I was on the other side. After a two year stint as a teacher Dona met and married Jack. The Leduc oil fields blew in, and Jack got a job in Calgary.
After four years I left my job in Sturgis and moved to Pincher Creek, Alberta —- south of Calgary. Once every six weeks I’d go to Calgary to visit with them. On one of these visits I put my suitcase on a pile of papers. When I left, thinking they were mine I popped them into my suitcase and only discovered at tax time I had all of Jack’s income tax receipts. I sent a telegram, “Jack, I have all your tax receipts.” He had accused Dona of throwing them out. The return telegram stated: ‘Too late. Divorce pending.’His company sent Jack to Libya, family to follow. In six weeks, Dona sold the house, put furniture in storage, packed up five kids and moved to Libya. I was in awe knowing I couldn’t have done it.
By this time I had a teaching position with the RCAF in Metz, France. I didn’t make it to Libya but I did visit them in Saudi Arabia. Restrictions were tough there —- head covering when off the compound, women not allowed to drive, a male chaperone needed when shopping in town. The rules didn’t slow Dona down. I think it was there she visited political figures in prison and listened to their stories.
From Saudi they moved to Dubai; a totally glitzy city. In fact, upon retirement I had a three week visit there.
Both Dona and Jack loved Vancouver Island and Sidney. Dona had an eye for picking up treasures and decorating. The house was charming, both colourful and comfortable.
Once in Sidney she became part of the community. Her ‘swim’ classes were well attended. The exercises ended with coffee and a chit-chat.
I write these words with tears in my eyes. The 80 year friendship has come to an end. We never once had an argument or falling out in all that time.
Rest in Peace dear Dona.
Love and Blessings,Sherry Maceachern
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Kelly Carson Dona was one kick ass lady. I liked visiting her and she reminded me of her sister (my Grandmother Aldis). They are up there somewhere sharing hugs and stories. Love Kelly Carson
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Donna Truscott Dona was definitely one of a kind. She greeted life with both arms wide open. She will be missed
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Paul Benson and Linnette Abbot We will always remember Donna’s warm welcome to Glynnwood and her introduction to the community through those memorable parties. It is wonderful that she was able to stay in her home till the end. She certainly would not of had it any other way. Sincere condolences to her family.
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Pat Thynne To Dona’s Family: My sincere condolences to you. I am an ex-neighbour of Dona and Jack and also participated in her swim group occasionally. We enjoyed her neighbourhood parties and her company on the beach. Pat Thynne
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Ron Montgomery This is a video link of Donna and family at an early 60s BBQ at our house.
https://vimeo.com/637572764
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Bob Montgomery Sad to see shes passed. She was my favorite auntie. A very strong yet kind lady.
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Jean Montgomery I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your lovely mom! My love goes out to all of you
When I met Dona while teaching in Tripoli, Libya, we became instant friends. She and Jack were favorites, and later their son Rick and I were married. Dona had a irrepressible spirit and was a positive force, uniting all of us in the Devine family. She will be deeply missed.