Donna May Nelson

Donna May was the second child of Audrey and Gordon Williamson.  She was born in Calgary, Alberta on April 10th, 1950 and grew up with her family throughout Alberta as well as spending some time in British Columbia.  She met her future husband Gary Nelson through her older brother Doug, and they attended the same high school in Olds.

Gary went to Europe with his friend Ken in February, 1971 and they backpacked through several countries.  After Ken went home, Donna flew out to join Gary in Switzerland at the end of March and they continued touring Europe in a Volkswagen minivan, catching all the sights, having many adventures and creating life-long memories.   

They returned to Canada at the end of May, landing in Winnipeg and catching a cargo flight home to Calgary.  They remained together for the next 2 years and got married October 6th, 1973.

When Donna was young all she wanted to be was a mother.  Donna and Gary had two children, Corey and Valerie, and raised their family in St. Albert. 

Donna loved to garden, make crafts and memory books, walk, and ski with family and friends.  She organized and led a few women-only canoe trips, roughing it down the Red Deer River; and traveled with Gary and their friends in a motorbike posse to BC several times.  She created a second family home in a trailer at Lake Isle and loved to fish on the lake and spend the evenings sitting around the fire with family and friends. 

Donna was a wonderful mother and friend, always going above and beyond to make people feel special and loved.  She loved to give thoughtful and personalized gifts, and took joy in the annual Gowland Family Reunions – cooking, setting up activities for the children, visiting with the many families and generations, and to ‘boogie’ at the Saturday night dance. 

The pride and joy of her career was being the Office Manager at the St. Albert Inn for several years. 

She enjoyed her retirement quietly; reading, crafting, and visiting with friends first in Calgary and then in Edmonton for the past 4 years.  She spent the last 3.5 years at Veteran’s Villa and was an avid volunteer for the social programs hosted for the residents there – barbeques, holiday dinners, card and bingo nights. 

Donna’s health took a turn in early December, 2020 and she spent a week in the care of her children before a short stay at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton.  She was transferred to the Royal Alexandra Hospital on December 23rd, where she was diagnosed with COVID-19.  She fought for 3 weeks, but had several pre-existing health issues that complicated her battle with the virus.  Her children had video calls with her every day, and she expressed being at peace with her passing the night before she left us.  Corey and Valerie had one last video call with her the morning of January 12th and she passed away just over an hour later at age 70. 

Donna was predeceased by her father Gord; and is survived by her mother Audrey; brothers Doug and Bob (Gail); and her children Corey (Michelle) and Valerie; as well as many other family members and friends.  She will be remembered and cherished for her warmth and generosity, her ever-present smile and her sunny, rose-colored outlook on life.

As we are unable to have a funeral at this time, Donna's family would appreciate it if you could take some time to share a story or favorite memory of Donna below. Thank you.