STENSTROM, Donna Caroline Marie (nee Wallner) – It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Mother, Nana, and Great-Nana on June 12, 2009 at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail, B.C., at the age of 80.
Donna was born in Nelson, B.C. October 8, 1928 and raised in Castlegar. She graduated from high school in 1946, worked at West’s Department Store and played piano in a band at various dances and functions in the Castlegar area. Donna married Ron in 1949, and they moved to Trail where they raised their two daughters Karen and Kim. She worked at the Hudson’s Bay Company, where she was a familiar figure to many, retiring after 25 years of service.
Donna was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 2838, Trail, and was an active and enthusiastic volunteer at the Columbia View Lodge for the past 20 years.
In years past, Donna and Ron were members of the former Trail Boat Club and enjoyed participating in many boat cruises and fishing on the Arrow and Kootenay Lakes. They also spent fun times camping and boating at Christina Lake, where Donna was a true summer sun lover. While living in Sunningdale, she enjoyed flower gardening and visiting with her friends and neighbours, and walks to Bingay Beach.
Donna’s greatest joys were being with her family. She was a beautiful dancer, and she and Ron could really “cut a rug.” Throughout her life Donna was a music lover and played the piano for many years. We all loved to hear her play.
Donna was predeceased by her husband Ron in 1986, her parents Elmer and Effie Wallner, brother Terry Wallner, and niece Mickie Waite.
Mom will be greatly missed by her two daughters and their families: Karen (Bob) Seifrit, granddaughter Kelly (Tim) Hamilton, great-grandchildren Tim, Jacob and Angela; Kim (Mark) Osmond, grandson Trevor (Krista) Osmond, and granddaughter Kaycee Osmond (Dave Quintans) and great-granddaughter Kenedie; sister Gaie (Bill) Waite of Penticton, sisters-in-law Mary Uhryn, Evelyn (Lloyd) Tanner, Trail; and Myrtle Beattie, Kinistino, Saskatchewan; also several nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place, and at Donna’s request a family graveside service will be held at Park Memorial Cemetery, Castlegar, B.C. Bill Clark of Personal Alternative Funeral Services is entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, should friends so desire, donations may be made in Donna’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 908 Rossland Avenue, Trail, B.C. V1R 3N6, or Columbia View Lodge, c/o KBRH Foundation, 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, B.C. V1R 4M1.