Obituaries

MILLER, Dona

SERVICE INFORMATION UPDATE:

Donna Jean Miller (nee Spence)

Dona was born November 19, 1936 in Cranbrook, BC to parents Carl Monroe and Jean Spence. The family moved to Nelson, BC when she was still quite young.

Dona graduated from LV Rogers High School, class of 1954, however she started working for BC Tel (Telus) while still in high school and spent 30 plus years in that career.

Dona met her husband of 64 years, Ernest (Rich) and married him in 1959. Together they raised three children and enjoyed many happy years in Nelson. They loved camping and travelling in the summer and enjoyed skiing in the winter.

Dona and Rich moved to Kelowna, BC in 1983 and Dona as always became very involved in the community. She was always the first to volunteer wherever help was needed. She loved to volunteer at Trinity Baptist church and was a Volunteer Ambassador for Telus for many years.

Dona is survived by her loving husband Rich, son Stephen (Kathryn), daughters Shelley and Tricia (Doug) and 5 grandchildren, Blake, Carson, Jaspar, Noah and Amira. She is also survived by her two sisters Noreen and Karla and many nieces, nephews and sisters and brothers in law.

The family would like to thank the staff at Glenmore Lodge for their loving care at the end of Dona’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC. [email protected].

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, July 8th, 2023 from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM at the family home, 256 Terrace Drive, Kelowna.

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC

Link: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Condolence Messages

Dec 16, 2022
We are so sorry to hear about Donna's passing, she was such a Dinamo, hard working, kind, friendly and would help anyone, who needed it. She is another angel in heaven whose legacy lives on. She made a mark in a lot of people's lives.

- Joe and Sharon Sadorsky
Dec 12, 2022
Rich and Family, As our neighbours for 27 years we have many many warm memories of Donna’s kindness, the kids and now their kids especially enjoyed the knitted toques and mittens you collected for those less fortunate.

Thinking of you both, take care Rich. Lindsey, Chad and Allan Roberts
Nov 30, 2022
So very sorry to read about Dona’s passing. She was such a positive person either at work at BC Tel or on her volunteering journey. Loved her bright and cheery smile.

Dona was certainly one of those people who brought joy to people’s lives and I know that she will be truly missed.

- Catherine and Herb Comben
Nov 29, 2022
Remembering the days growing up in Nelson. My how quickly life passes . - Mitzi hufty
Nov 28, 2022
Rich & family

Caring thoughts are with you in this difficult time of saying Good-by to Donna. She will be warmly remembered by all who new her, because she was a very special loving person. The Lord graciously took her home, as her work on earth was done. Our sincere condolences Richard & Florence Holland - Florence Holland
Nov 28, 2022
Rich and Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Rich we enjoyed seeing you and Dona and giving you guys a wave or a hello when you walked by our house.

Vern and Doreen Amundson - Doreen Amundson
Nov 28, 2022
Thinking of you and your family how lucky you were to have such a giving lady in your lives. At Telus everyone wanted to help volunteering because of Donna, she was magical to be around. Cherish your memories from Fred and Marilyn mcrae
Nov 28, 2022
Dear Rich,

Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We always thought Dona was a lovely person and she was so appreciated when volunteering her time with the Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society. Keeping you in our thoughts. Sue and Carl Marcotte - Sue Marcotte
Nov 27, 2022
Dear Rich and Family

I was so sorry to hear of Dona's passing. She was a remarkable woman and such a wonderful friend to me and to so many others. At BC Tel and TELUS she was the ultimate volunteer and she was so kind when I transferred here and got involved with the volunteers. She was my mentor and she taught me so much about this community. She was recognized at TELUS as one of the "LEGENDs', the ultimate award for their volunteer program.

I will miss you Dona and I thank you for your love and guidance. May you rest in peace.

Anne Miller - Anne Miller
Nov 27, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Dona's passing. I will always have wonderful memories of our special times in Fairview. Much love to you and your family Rich. - Jeanne Senger
Nov 27, 2022
So sorry for your loss. I met Dona years ago and a bunch of us were at her house doing a cookie exchange and making crafts. She was a wonderful friend to everyone. She will be missed. - Ardeth Galitzine
Nov 27, 2022
Please accept my sincere condolences Rich and family. I am so very sorry to learn the sad news of Donna's passing. I have such fond memories of you and your beautiful wife from Shelley's Westview Way days when Noah and Amira were young

children. May your own fond memories help to sustain you at this very difficult time. With love and sympathy....Carol Paynter - Carol Paynter
Nov 27, 2022
As a co-worker and neighbour Dona stood out. An engaging and positive woman. My condolences to her family. Jim Morris

- Jim Morris
Nov 27, 2022
Sorry to hear of Dona’s passing Rich & famiy. Met her for the first time in Nelson with you at the Cathedral for a funeral reception. I remember her voice using the Telus long distance service on my job. May she Rest In Peace. Dan Bachynski. Fruitvale, BC. - Dan Bachynski
Nov 27, 2022
To Rich and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Dona was a beautiful person and she will be missed by many. I had the privilege of being a neighbor for 20+ years. She was always busy going somewhere or doing something to help others. And she baked great cookies! - Karen Penner
Nov 26, 2022
Dear Rich and family. We are so sorry to hear of Dona's passing. We will always remember her welcoming ways and how she made everyone so comfortable! May the sweet memories you and your family shared help comfort you.

Don & Joy Fox - Don & Joy Fox
Nov 26, 2022
To Rich and family. My sincere condolences for your loss

Jack Campos - Jack Campos
Nov 26, 2022
A little piece of my heart broke today when I read that Dona had passed. I first met Dona in the mid ’90s when I worked for BC Tel, and she was a volunteer for the company and about 6 other organizations. Our friendship was instant and as a new working mom, I tried to absorb as much as I could from her. She was such an incredible volunteer, friend, mom, and grandma. She had a heart of gold, and strong faith and made everyone feel loved. She never stopped giving back to those whom she met. No one ever used the word “can’t” around Dona because she would help you, so you could. I loved calling her and she would say “Hi-yo” and then we would chat about everything. I am so glad that she came into my life, and she will be missed by so many.

To Rich, Stephen (Kathryn), Shelley and Tricia (Doug), Blake, Carson, Jaspar, Noah, and Amira. And the rest of the family. Thank you for allowing this beautiful lady to touch each of our lives the way she did. I am truly sorry for your loss.

- Laurel D'Andrea
Nov 26, 2022
So sorry to hear about Donna. Donna was always upbeat, giving and so nurturing. We met years ago working at Telus together. How proud to be able to call her your Mom Grandma or wife, & friend. My sincere condolences to her family. An angel on earth is how I'll remember her.

- Tara Schmidt
Nov 26, 2022
i met Dona while voluntering with BCtel she was such an upbeat person and had a heart of gold she will be greatly missed Betty Vogl

- Betty Vogl
Nov 26, 2022
Rich and family. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Dona. I worked with her for many years and she was such a lovely woman. Sending you hugs and prayers at this difficult time.

Gail Paterson (Christian)
Nov 26, 2022
To the Family:

I worked with Dona in Nelson for 5 years. She was one of the most caring and nicest lady's I've met. Always ready to offer a helping hand.

C.O'Fallon - Chuck O'Fallon
Nov 26, 2022
I had the opportunity to know Dona working with her husband Rich for over 30 years. She would light up any room she walked into. The world will be a sadder place without her

Rich and family we am so sorry for your loss

Wynn and Shirley - Wynn Whitfield
Nov 26, 2022
Rich and family. So, so sad to hear about Dona. She was always a special lady with a ton of energy and generosity of heart. I loved her like a mom when we worked together back in the Nelson days. Hugs to all the kids. Karen and Vern Merwin - Karen Merwin
Nov 26, 2022
To the family I am sorry for your loss. Donna was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed. Shirley Hubick
Nov 26, 2022
Rich and family. We are sincerely sorry for your loss. Dona was a wonderful caring person and will be dearly missed.

Love and Blessings Rich

Tom & Joan Keiver - Joan Keiver
Nov 25, 2022
Rich and Family We are so sorry for your loss we will all miss her she was a wonderful loving person Nobby Gen Wendy - Gen Wildemann
Nov 25, 2022
Rich and family. Our sincere condolences for your loss. We always enjoyed the short visits we managed at the Rockets games, while you were out walking in the neighbourhood or when you stopped while driving past our house . She will be missed by anyone who knew her . Art and Jody Hayes - Art Hayes