Obituaries

November 8, 1937 - March 10, 2023

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Donna, age 85, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 10, 2023, following recent bypass surgery. The eldest of three girls, Donna was born on November 8, 1937, in Brantford, Ontario to Henry and Winnifred Stanford.

Donna’s mother (Grandma S) always told me that when asked what she wanted to be when she grows up, Donna would reply “I want to be a mom”. In retrospect, this makes so much sense, she was truly an amazing mother who loved her family with all her heart.

She married Robert George Byard in 1955 in Brantford, ON, and had three children with him before moving to Penticton, BC, where they built the Donut King restaurant along with Bob's parents Walter and Georgia, and his brother, Gary Byard (June).

Though their marriage didn’t work out, Bob and Donna remained friends and shared many Christmases together partaking in “rip-roaring” euchre matches with extended family at Grandma Stanford’s house!

Donna loved life and made friends easily. She was both witty and charming, drawing people in with her happy nature and enduring personality. She loved animals and will be missed by her little chihuahua, Clyde, and her grand dog, Mocha.

Donna lived with her son, David, for the past 20 years. She loved to travel and enjoyed numerous trips and adventures with David and other family members to destinations such as Fiji, the Cook Islands, and Belize to name a few.

Donna was a talented knitter and crocheter, with ongoing projects for her family and friends at all times. She also loved to play cards, particularly euchre, cribbage, and poker. In recent years, she especially loved meeting up with her poker buddies at the West Kelowna Legion or Michael’s house. One of her friends told us that she barely had a chance against her…. “She was a great poker player who would hang on till the last card and WIN!” earning her the affectionate nickname “river rat” as the last card in poker is called the river.

Donna will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her sister Sherry Yung (Ming); her children David Byard, Brian Byard (BJ), and Susan Toyata (Erol); her extended family Joanne McLeod (Chris) and Corry Byard (Marlene); and her sister from another mother, Linda Mclean; her grandchildren Gord Byard (Shelly), Chris Byard (Jocelyn), Nicole Grimm (Joel), Brad Byard, Marc Toyata, Quin Toyata, Ava Toyata, Jacob McLeod, Drew McLeod, Madelynn Byard, Hayden Byard; her great-granddaughter, Zoey Grimm in addition to numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Wendy.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on August 5th, 2023, more details to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation are welcome.

Condolences, photos, or memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

• Mar 20, 2023
  I am sorry to hear about this great loss. I met Donna walking in her neighbourhood, of course feeding Clyde and chatting with her. She was a bright, shining star... - Annette McCormick
• Mar 19, 2023
  Our deepest condolences. Marilyn and cam torgerson - Marilyn
• Mar 18, 2023
  I loved playing poker with Donna. She made great desserts to bring to Michael’s and she the greatest humour, not always PG! I will miss her enormously and am sorry my mother and I will not be able to go to her celebration of life. Sweet Dreams Donna! Anne Fox

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