It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Catherine Greaves. Born in Glace Bay Nova Scotia August 4, 1948, and passed away peacefully November 1, 2024, at Royal Jubilee hospital. Predeceased by parents Florence and Donald MacDonald, brother Douglas and the love of her life, her husband Bill. Survived by daughters Karen Brain, Cassie Ogilvie and her children Tyler (Michaela) and Ashley; son Dan (Suzanne) children Charlotte, Marcus, Ella and James; sisters Carol, Gail and Janice MacDonald; brother Terry (Stephanie) MacDonald; brother-in-law Gordon (Linda) Greaves; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Donna grew up in Port Morien, Nova Scotia, then moved across the country following her father’s work with the RCMP to Ottawa then Innisfail, Alberta. Donna then made her way to Victoria where she studied nursing at Royal Jubilee graduating in 1973. Nursing was her lifelong passion.
Beginning at Jubilee and other VIHA facilities and later working at St Ann’s academy and Craigdarroch nursing home doing elder care. If she wasn’t nursing in the hospital, she was helping family at home with everything. She was the one everyone turned to in times of need.
The matriarch who had all the answers.
Donna was a wonderful cook and hostess. She had many amazing friends whose friendship she held so dear. Her family dinners were legendary, never forgetting a thing and never sitting until everyone’s dinner was on their plates…and warm…”does anyone need their plate zapped”…”No mom please sit and eat”.
She loved reading, puzzles, the cooking channel and keeping her mind sharp with crosswords and sudoku. She was always up for a drive around town especially when there was ice cream involved.
Donna was her grandkids biggest supporter. She attended every game, recital or performance and would always have a treat when the kids were done. The best gift giver ever! She always knew what would bring a smile to our faces even if we didn’t ask for it.
She has now left us to join Bill, her loving husband. The two of them built a beautiful life together and we are forever grateful for all they have given us.
Special thanks to all the wonderful nurses, aides and doctors who cared for her during her time at Royal Jubilee.
A family Memorial Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm. For those unable to attend in person, the link is below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88542099361?pwd=Pb8JayYtrbll6zI5wIYVaxTvajuzMy.1
Donations, if desired may be made to the Eldercare Foundation, Victoria, or a charity of choice.
Nite Nite, Love Love, Morning Time
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Darlene and Kirk
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Rosanne & Pete Gerritsen Sending love and our thoughts to the Greaves family during this difficult time. Many condolences, Rosie & Pete Gerritsen
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Mary Maclean Donna was such a kind and caring nurse to both her patients and those of us lucky enough to work with her and call her friend. She had a great slant on life and a wonderful sense of humour. I remember her saying “nite, nite”, it always touched me when she said it.
She always spoke of her family with great love and a sense of pride!
So sorry for your great loss!
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Betty Umphrey I worked with Donna at the Transitional Care Unit at EMP. Donna was always so pleasant, kind, soft-spoken, and she gave her patients the best TLC!
My condolences to her family.Betty Umphrey
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Margaret Bartlett I worked with Donna many years ago at the Royal Jubilee hospital.
Donna was a gentle, kind, compassionate co-worker. She loved her family!Condolences to family
Margaret Bartlett
Tyler and family,
Our deepest condolences to you all.