DONALDSON: Olive of St. Marys, formerly of Arva
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On November 12, 2025 @ 2:17 PM In Lucan,Obituary | 21 Comments
Olive Lillian Donaldson passed away peacefully with family by her side at Stratford General Hospital on November 10, 2025 in her 95th year, following a brief illness. She was born in London, Ontario on May 3, 1931. Olive will be greatly missed by her sisters, Betty McCully (Bob) of Chatham, and June Patton (Derek) of Cambridge. Fondly remembered by her nephews David Donaldson (Karen), Dale Donaldson (Marianne) and Paul McCully (Sandy). She was a well-loved Aunt Olive to her great nieces and nephews: Stephen Donaldson (Mary), Janet DeGazon (Tigh), Jamie Donaldson (Marion); Dianne Wolters (Jonathon), Sarah Donaldson (Jamie Aldrich), and Michelle Reilly (Patrick). She loved all her great-great nieces and nephews: Colby (Kayla), Laine, Jakub; Lilliana, MacArthur, Eloise; Cynthia; Halle, Norah, Rowan; Ellie, Dawson; Jack, and Samuel and great-great-great nephew Colton. They loved coming to see her where they knew there would always be sweet treats waiting in a special place.
She was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Lillian (Toseland) Donaldson, brother Wilmer Donaldson, and sister-in-law Elaine Donaldson. Olive spent her career as a stenographer at Lawson & Jones Ltd., London, Ontario. She was a talented musician serving as an organist at Bethel Presbyterian Church, Arva United Church, and St. Lawrence Presbyterian Church.
She enjoyed travelling to various countries in Europe, as well as Scotland, England and Ireland. She compiled an accurate Donaldson family history dating back to the year 1818 when her ancestors left Lochearnhead, Scotland and immigrated to Canada. Olive lived for many years in the Arva community before moving to St. Mary’s several years ago.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Sunday afternoon from 2 – 4 PM where the funeral service will be held on Monday, November 17th at 11 AM with the Rev. Jeff Lackie officiating. Private family interment Medway Cemetery, Middlesex Centre.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciate by the family.
Condolences for the family of “DONALDSON: Olive of St. Marys, formerly of Arva”
I’m so sorry for your loss. Olive was a sweet, beautiful lady. She made everyone happy and always had a smile to share with her loved ones. She will be missed.
Sorry for your loss.
Dear Donaldson Family,
My deepest sympathy to you all in the passing of dear Olive, but so grateful she is with our Lord Jesus in heaven. May she play a beautiful heavenly organ. Thanks be to God for Olive’s life and how she gave her music away to others for His Glory.
– Bless you all, luv and prayers,
Krista McGinn, one of June’s gals
Sending our love to you Janet and family during this very difficult time.
you spoke alot about Olive and she will for sure be missed, cherish your memories and hold them close she will always be in your heart ❤️
Thinking of you,
The Dale Family
Condolences to the Donaldson family and June.
My condolences on the loss of such an inspiring person. Olive always seemed to be busy at something and seemed to be in the know of what was going on. She would listen intently, ask questions, and had a good memory of event passed. An amazing lady.
With sincere sympathy to the Donaldson family, may the LORD comfort you and give you His peace.
I know how much Olive meant to the everyone, she will be missed. Sending our deepest condolences !
Will, Sharon, Brent, Mel, Justin, Nicole and family.
Dear Dave and Karen,
So sorry for your loss! I know how very good you were to your aunt and, from conversations with her, I also know how very much she appreciated your many kindnesses. May you find comfort in your many happy memories and hope in Christ’s promises.
Blessings, Sheila (and Richard)
To the Donaldson families we send our condolences on your loss.
Dear June
What a shock it was to hear the sad news of Olive’s passing, our deepest sympathy to all of you. As you say it is hard to recover from anything like that at such an age, but try to take comfort that she had a full and happy life with some wonderful memories.
Please pass on our condolences to everyone and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for the funeral details and I will be in touch again soon.
God bless Angela and family xx
My condolences to the whole Donaldson Family
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Olive. Thinking of you all in this difficult time. May warm memories forever comfort your heart.
Bill Dobbie & girls
So sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Olive.
John and Pam
Dave and Karen
Sending you and your family my condolences. It was a pleasure to meet your Aunt Olive and I can see why she meant so much to everyone What wonderful memories you must have. Thinking of you.
Linda Mills
Dave, Karen, Dale, Marianne and families. So sorry for your loss. Olive will surely be missed. Hugs
Deborah
My sincere condolences to the Donaldson family on the loss of Olive, cherish the wonderful memories made with her, she will be greatly missed by friends at St Georges Presbyterian Church also! May the good Lord hold you close and provide comfort and healing at this difficult time.
Sending prayers and thinking if you all.
We extend our warmest condolences to the Donaldson family. ‘Aunt Olive,’ as everyone affectionately called her, and from the lovely photos, it’s clear that her family and friends meant the world to her and played a significant role in her life. May she find eternal peace, comforted by the love and respect of her family. With heartfelt sympathy, Doug & Claire (Steele)
Condolences to the whole family. My wife, children (now adults) and I have fond memories of her behind the organ at St Lawrence for decades.
From The Everspring Team. Our condolence. Family is Beautiful.
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Sending our love to the Donaldson family at this very difficult time.
Olive will sure be missed, cherish your memories and hold them close
Thinking of you
Jamie, Ryan Harris and family