We have lost our little Donna
No words alone will ever be able to distill the essence of who this incredible human was to everyone that loved and cherished her.
Donna Yvonne Ashton (nee Richardson), passed away early on September 5, 2023, having succumbed to metastatic breast cancer at the age of 61, her Husband Kevin at her side.
Donna was born on September 15, 1961 in Montreal, Quebec to Cyril (Cy) and Mary Richardson (nee McKeown). Tragically, Cy and Mary were taken from her as a result of a car accident when Donna was three years old and her Brother Bill was a baby. Donna and Bill spent time separately with two paternal uncle and aunts before being reunited in Elora/Lot 18 and raised by Mom and Dad, Jack and Adelle Aitchison and supported in love by her large McKeown clan.
Donna was a Nurse
It was the only thing that she ever wanted to be – and she was damned good at it.
Donna was a Nurse in the professional sense, having graduated and getting her hard fought black band in 1982 from the 2-year Registered Nursing program at Fanshawe College in London – as she would say, back when it was easy to tell who was a nurse by their white uniform, cap and band. Donna worked where she needed to in order to gain experience in the early years – Super X drugs, Wellington Terrace and Paramed Private Duty Nursing, then transitioning to full time at Groves Memorial Community Hospital on the Continuing Care and Medical floors. While at Groves, Donna spearheaded the very first palliative care suite, having solicited community donations to equip the suite. She was very proud of that accomplishment, as well as her role in easing the journey of loved ones as they passed. Fast forward to the year 2000 and Donna embarked on her career in Nursing in the Goderich area, first at Healthy Hearts, Maitland Manor and Clinton ER, then full time to Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in the ER department.
Donna was also a Nurse in her approach to life – nurturing all that met her. One could not imagine a more empathetic soul, even when her own challenges presented considerable mental health road blocks for her (Kevin insists that this was from caring too much, for so many, for so long, at the sacrifice of self), her focus was always on how the other person was doing and feeling. Always ready with advice, a calming word, medical information and a questioning nature, Donna just generally made everyone feel heard and important. She was truly remarkable and loved and respected by everyone that made her acquaintance.
Donna and Kevin met when they were 18 years old, while both working at The Elora Mill in the late 70s. While Kevin knew right away, the first time he laid his eyes upon her, that she was the one, needless to say, it took Donna a wee bit longer to come to that conclusion. After 3 years together, Donna had declared that “no one else would have us” and she said “Yes.” Donna and Kevin were married on August 21, 1982 and she was welcomed into the Ashton clan by her in-laws Morley and Norah Ashton and new siblings Craig and Kristi. Thus began an interesting life together that was joyful, tumultuous, loving, loud and playful, respectful and sometimes peaceful, welcoming into her family Katelyn in 1987, Jordan in 1990 and opening her heart to Stefany when she joined her family.
Donna is survived by her Husband Kevin Ashton, her Daughter Katie Oblak and her Husband Marty of Tobermory, the big loves of her life, her Grandson Ashton and Granddaughter Ella Oblak; her Son Jordan and his love Jade Yenlin of London and Daughter Stefany Ashton of Goderich. Donna is survived by her Brother Bill Richardson and his Wife Jane of Guelph and Niece and Nephew Miranda and Bradley and their families. Donna is also survived by her Father-in-Law Morley Ashton (Norah 2012) of Collingwood and her Brothers-in-law Craig Ashton and Guy Laporte of Collingwood. Donna is predeceased by her parents Mary and Cy Richardson and Jack and Adelle Aitchison and her Sister-in-Law Kristi Hood (Alan).
Donna will be celebrated on Saturday, September 9, 2023, with the services entrusted to McCallum & Palla Funeral Home, 11 Cambria Rd. N., Goderich. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until time of service at 12:00 noon with Reverend Robert L. Clifford officiating, luncheon to follow. Cremation will take place and interment will follow at a later date. Donations may be made to the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation.
On the scale of one to ten, Donna was a 25.
We will love you forever.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Francesco Tancredi
Dear Kevin & Family, my heartfelt condolences to all of you. Thank you for the lovely obituary celebrating her life and her life’s work. A long life to you all.
Joanne En
Kevin, I have just read Donna’s notice in the Wellington Advertiser you captured Donna so beautifully. Kevin my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I will keep Donna in my prayers. Joanne & Wayne England
Kate Bailey
Kevin, I just heard of Donna’s passing on the day that would have been her 62nd birthday. So very sorry for your loss. You have really paid tribute to her spirit here. I can attest to her dedication to her craft from when she cared for my mom at Groves in her final days. An exceptional nurse. May her soul rest in peace.
Janet and Bruce Muysson
Dear Kevin and family: Our hearts broke as we read Donna’s obituary in the Wellington Advertiser. Her memory lives on and on with anyone and everyone who had the pleasure of her company. An outstanding nurse ( Groves’ was blessed and enriched with Donna on staff for a number of years)), a loving, clever, fun and saucy little lady with a welcoming smile and twinkle in her eyes. Rest in Peace little Donna😇 with love & friendship, please accept our sincere condolences Kevin.
Lesley Profit
Mum and Donna were very close nurses. I remember the laughs coming from house when she would drop in for visits. Love and prayers to you all.
Donna thankyou for always being fhere for my mum and our family. Your love and care was never forgotten. RIP my friend
Sharron Durst
Kevin & family,
I am so sorry to learn of Donna’s passing. I enjoyed working with her at Goderich ER for many years. She was a good friend & an excellent nurse.
cathy hostrawser
Sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed working along side of Donna at Groves. Was very disappointed when she moved to Godrich. Prays are with you all
Janet Vance
My heartful sympathies to the Ashton family. I am so sorry to hear about Donna’s passing. I remember her fondly from our time at Groves. A wonderful nurse and very kind person. My thoughts are with all of you.
Janet Vance
Betty Henderson
Donna I knew you when you met Kevin and then your wedding and your Katie and Joebeans { Jordan } we worked at Groves together for years and had many great times with Kevin ,Moe, Nora .Creg..Christy. in the Fergus Pipe Band . I will never forget these memories . You were one of the most attentive . dedicated . caring nurses I had the pleasure of working with RIP my friend .
Michael Loughrin
Donna was one of the most loving, generous souls I’ve known. She cared deeply about her loved ones. She was always so good to me, as her first cousin once removed. She loved family dearly.
Donna had such love to see others succeed too. I have many fond memories that I will always treasure, such as visits at (Great) Grandma McKeown’s home in Elora, playing at their Fergus home when I was a young boy, doing summer courses in the Goderich area while staying with Kevin and Donna, renovating her bathroom with my grandfather, etc.
I was blessed to know her, and I thank God Almighty for her. She was a gift.
Love and Condolences to her entire family. The Lord Almighty bless you and keep you. May you be comforted and re-assured.
Love,
Michael L.
Marilyn and Don Arscott
We are sorry to hear about Donna. Our sincere condolences to the Ashton family. Marilyn and Don.
Sue Swan
Kevin & Family , I’m sorry to learn of Donna’s passing , such a remarkable & sweet lady!
Please know she will be missed & loved in the hearts that knew her .
Graham Yeats
Another life ended too soon from cancer. Kevin and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Cherish your memories of a wonderful person who was a huge part of your lives.
Marlowe and Deb Austin
We are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Thinking of you all during the sadness in the days ahead.
Donna and Jim Muir
To Kevin and entire family
We were so so sorry to hear about Donna’s passing. I have many fond memories of working in ER with Donna. She WAS a great nurse and we shared a lot of laughs and some tears together as well as a few parties over the years. I had a lot of respect for Donna. She was the best person with such a kind heart and soul. Feel so bad. Loved hearing about your kids over the years and nice to see posts about them on Facebook.. She will be missed by so many. Donna and Jim Muir
Shirley Erb
To Kevin and all of Donna s family and friends. She was a great lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Harold and Dianne Leddy
Kevin and family
We are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a very kind and caring
Lady and we are so glad we knew her. Her suffering is now gone, RIP dear Donna
Deborah Hoy
So sorry to hear about the passing of your cherished loved one. She had a full life albeit cut too short. Our hearts are with you and your family.
Gord and Deb Hoy
Becky and Dave McIvor
Donna from the first time we met at the legion there was a connection. You were such a kind fun loving person. You and Kevin were such great hosts always opening your doors even on holidays. The more the merrier. Always lots of fun singing and carrying on. We travelled together to Florida and stayed with my Mom and Dad in their motor home. Such a fun week with lots of special memories. Going to Cuba and swimming with the dolphins was a real high for all of us. Pure joy! When Dave was in the hospital and you made special trip to see if he needed anything you will always be special to both Dave and I and you will live on in my heart until we meet again . May you rest in peace dear Donna God knows you earned your wings while here on earth. No more suffering…..
Gwen Doak
Our deepest sympathy to Donna’s Family. Keep your memories close as they will help you to get threw this time of grieving.
Catharine Goss
Kevin and family. Our sincere condolences. Donna was a wonderful friend. Many fond memories come to mind spending time together with the kids during their younger years. May your memories and faith comfort you as you mourn the loss of your beautiful wife, mother and grandmother.
Greg, Catharine, Kyle, Blair and families.
Deb Shewfelt Deb and marilyn
Kevin and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Donna was a lovely caring person.
Anita Frayne
Jordan, I would like to offer you and your family my deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. I met her just a few times but she was lovely to chat with. You will all miss her very much. There is a line from a movie which I watched a long time ago. It goes something like this, “The sadness that comes after is part of the happiness that went before and that’s the deal”. I wish all of you peace in time.
Anita Frayne
Kelley EVES
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman.inside and out. I worked with Donna at GMCH. She was one of the finest nurses I ever had the privilege to call a colleague. Her cap and white uniform showed all that pride of her giving and caring soul. I am sad that she has passed away and after a fight that she was such a hero for the journey through palliative care. Donna you touched so many hearts through your work and just your being. You are missed 9n earth but there’s a heaven over the river and your welcome to it would be a joyous one. Rest well in Glory my friend. Your labour’s done. Kelley
Debbie Delyea
So sorry for your lossKevin and family,may the lord speak peace to your pain at this time.
Michelle Pearse-Orser
My heart felt sympathies go out to you Kevin and your family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.