The Bowman sisters are together again as Donna Mae Evans (Bowman) died peacefully Wednesday February 26, 2025 at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital at the age of 93. Predeceased in 2000 by her husband Bob Evans, the couple created a welcoming home for their two children on the farm just outside of Ilderton. Her love and kindness will be dearly missed by Linda (Evans) and Brad McGhie; and Rhys and Rhonda Evans. The memories of her joyful, fun-loving approach to life will be cherished by her grandchildren Karly (Alan), Curtis and Dylan. Born in Denfield, Ontario in 1931 to Russ and Mae Bowman, Donna was one of five children all now deceased: Gord (Marg) Bowman, Fern (Bill) Concannon, Gloria (Bev) Urbshott, and Diane (Les) Charlton. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours.
Donna graduated from Medway High School in 1949, spent fourteen years working for London Life and then forty-four years working in the office at the Denfield Sales Barn. Throughout her long life, in addition to being a wonderful mother and doting grandmother, Donna loved to socialize, especially in the company of her sisters. Donna had many talents and interests. She was a skilled seamstress and knitter, grew and harvested a large vegetable garden every year, loved watching curling and hockey, was a wicked card player, and enjoyed attending all community events in and around Ilderton. Donna’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the medical staff at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Thursday, March 6th from 7-9 PM and again on Friday, March 7th from 10-11 AM. Donna’s funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 11 AM. Interment Littlewood Cemetery, Middlesex Centre.
Donations to the Ilderton Lions Club, Littlewood Cemetery, or the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
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).
Laura Carne
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. She was a lovely lady and so well known in the community. May you find comfort in the memories you have made.
Laura (Powell) & Stuart Carne
Laura Carne
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. She was a lovely lady and so well known in the community. May you find comfort in the memories you have made.
Laura (Powell) & Stuart Carne
Jane galloway
Linda & family so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing, she was a wonderful lady, always ready for a fun time, she had many friends and will be missed. I’am sure you have many good memories of Donna. Jane Galloway & david siddall
Linda Scott
Linda, Brad, Rhys, Rhonda, Karly, Alan, Curtis & Dylan
Donna was such a Very Special Friend to me & Doug over
the last 55 years when we moved to Ilderton. So many laughs & good times.
May your cherished memories help you through this sad & difficult times.
She will be missed dearly & never forgotten.
Rest in peace my dear friend.
Lib & Dick Martin
Our sincere condolences to the Bowman family. Lib rode to London with Donna during her years at London Life. It was always a pleasure to be in the company of the Bowman clan.
Lib Paisley
Julie Ryan
Rhonda and Rhys and families ..My heart goes to you and your families as you say goodbye to your mother and grandmother. May the memories live on and bring you comfort and smiles as the days pass.
Love Julie
Don and Joan McQueen
Linda, Rhys and families; It is hard to imagine going to an event in Ilderton and not running into Donna. She was a friend for as long as I can remember and part of the tapestry of Ilderton. Donna and Diane never forgot their old friends and would often visit my parents or take Dad for a drive. Their visit was always looked forward to with great anticipation. She had a life full of fun, friends and laughter and will never be forgotten. Please accept our sincere condolences and take comfort in the fact the family is altogether again.
Joan Robson
Thoughts are with you tonight…remember your mom with love and be sure that she enjoyed life.Prayers for all her family.
Joan and Ralph
Glenis Hamilton
Our dear Aunt Donna. Such a wonderful lady. Always welcoming and inclusive. She was a dear friend and sister in law to my mum Inga. She introduced my mum to my dad, Cap Robson! Thank god! She was family. Linda and Rhys, always my cousins. So many great memories of visiting. Love Glenis and a family
A side note…. during my mom’s visitation maybe it was even my dad’s. I can’t even remember at this point, but she knew she had to get the kids out of there so she took my four and Margo’s two across the street in Ailsa Craig to get them an ice cream. When I told my kids about aunt Donna’s passing, my son Tom said to me, I remember aunt Donna taking us for ice cream. Xoxo
Bev Dayman
Rhys, Rhonda and family
My condolences on your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time
Bev Dayman
ROBERT FISCHER & May Fernando
So sad to hear of Donna’s passing. She had a heart of gold and will dearly missed.
All the girls are together again.
Robert & May Fischer
LYNDA NILES
Linda, Brad and family,
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Lots of good memories that you will cherish.
Lynda Niles
Audrey Monk
To Linda, Rhys and families
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss of your beautiful mother, grandmother and aunt. Donna was a good friend of my mom’s and I often had the pleasure to sit in on their visits . She always welcomed everyone with that beautiful smile and charm that made you feel right at home. My cheeks always hurt leaving her place because we’d laugh and smile so much throughly enjoying the time spent together.
There was never a time when Donna’s name was mentioned in the community that admiration of her kindness and genuine nature didn’t follow.
Thank you for sharing her with us, we are forever enriched by having Donna in our lives. To my sweet friend, Rest in sweetest peace
Lisa Phillips
Dear Linda, Rhys and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady!
As a kid, when I went over to the Denfield Sales Barn on days off school, she was always there in the office welcoming me in and letting me help with what I could. She and Diane were larger then life when they were together! One of the best memories I have was at Grandma Nettie Phillips’ 80th birthday party, when the girls led all the guests in an sing song while piled into a the world’s tiniest kitchen and dining room!
May your memories of Donna bring a smile to your face and comfort at time of sorrow and in the years to come.
Marci Damen
We are so sad that this lovely lady and longtime friend to mom, dad and our family is gone. She will be so greatly missed. Sending our love and comfort to you, Linda, Rhys, Brad, Rhonda , Carly, Curtis, Dylan, and Allan.
Sherry , Michael and Alexander
Linda, Rhys and families,
Your mom was such a special lady, always had a smile on her face and twinkle in her eye.
She and your dad fill so many of my fond childhood memories.
She will be greatly missed by so many.
Joan Edwards
My sympathy Linda, Rhys and families on the passing of your mom.
So many will miss her distinctive laugh and bombing around in her little white car!! Still speeding!! So many smiles over the years!
Dennis and Sandy Stead
Dear Linda, Rhys and families
We were so sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a fun lady and will be missed, but remembered by many. Our condolences to you all.
Dennis and Sandy Stead
Steve and Kim
Dear Linda, Rhys and family
Our hearts were saddened to hear of Aunt Donna’s passing. She was always wonderful to our family. I will never forget her distinctive giggle and mischievous antics.
RIP
The Shaw family
Dear Rhys Rhonda Curtis and Dylan
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Terrie Kirk Jamie Genna and Mark Shaw
Kelly Stephens
Linda, Rhys and family,
I’m sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I have so many fond memories of Aunt Donna when I was a little girl. Picking cucumbers with her in the garden, water gun fights, hide and seek, sliding down the bannister with Laura Strapp to name a few. She had a heart of gold and she will be greatly missed.
Kelly Stephens
Madalene, Patti and Mary Lou Tasko
Linda, Brad, Rhys and Rhonda:
Your mom will be fondly remembered in so many ways by our family. She was Mom’s oldest friend. They were schoolmates, roommates, co-workers and, most of all, good friends. As young women they practised smoking cigarettes together (to look sophisticated), went on dates together and socialized at dances, parties and lunches too many times to count. And when all the Bowman girls and the Phillips girls got together, look out. As children, Mary Lou and Patti were lucky to receive complete wardrobes for their Barbies, the work of Donna. These outfits were still around for the next generation of Tasko girls to enjoy. And our knitted 1970s hippie vests, also made by Donna, were the envy of our classmates. We will always cherish our memories of your mom and are thinking of you at this sad time.
John&Lisa Hedley
Linda, Rhys and families
John and I are so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Donna was always so kind and fun to be around. May all of your memories help to heal your broken heart
Laura & Adam
Linda, Brad, Karly and families:
I’m so sorry for your loss. Aunt Donna injected life and fun into every occasion. She always brought a smile to my face. She will be missed dearly by all.
Sue Burley
To Donna’s family, we are sorry to hear of your mom/grandmother’s passing. She was always so welcoming to us & we enjoyed visiting with her whenever we were visiting Doug & Linda. Take care.
Sue & Terry Burley
Barbara Moore
Deepest condolences to the Evans family. She will missed by the many friends at Parkview Apts.
Will & Heather Pierson
Rhys,Rhonda /Linda,Brad
Thinking of you and your families at this sad time,
Bob and Pat Hodgins
We are sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She had a zest for life, always a smile and a kind word. May you take comfort in your memories of your time with her.
Margo
Linda, Brad, Karly, Alan, Rhys, Rhonda, Curtis and Dylan. Keith and I send our love and condolences. I recall Mom sharing what a great support Donna was to her following Elfs death, and as we know, she was instrumental in arranging the union between Mom and Cap. Aunt Donna and mom were yin and yang. Mom, quiet and reserved, Aunt Donna, outgoing and social, but their friendship worked and it lasted their entire lives, something which is hard to come by. All the parties and get togethers our families had are a huge part of my childhood memories. More recently, the regular card games were something, Keith and Bob and I all looked forward to. She ruled the card table! An Ilderton legend who was so loved and will be missed by many.
Joanne Kelly
Linda Rhys and families my deepest condolences to all of you for the loss of your beloved mom. She was truly a wonderful lady and will forever be missed. She will be having a beer and a game of cards with her sisters and neighbours including my mom.
Cherish you memories:)
Shirley Stewart
Linda, Rhys and Families
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Treasure all of your memories and I know you will have many and hold them close to your hearts. I can almost hear them partying and laughing up there now that they are all together again. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time.
Bev and Barbara Shipley
Linda, Brad, Rhys, Rhonda and Karly and Dylan
We were so sorry to hear of your mom’s (grandma’s) passing. Donna will be forever remembered for her smile, her laughter and her kind heart towards family and community. Yes, you said it so well – “the Bowman sisters are together again”. May that knowledge bring all of you comfort and peace during this sad time. Sincere sympathy and prayers – Bev and Barb Shipley
Heather Bice
Linda and Brad, Rhys and Rhonda and familes
You Mom, grandma and mother-in-law was a one of a kind very special lady, she had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved and lived life to the fullest and enjoyed everything she did you could always count on her for some laughs and quick wit. Her proudest times where when she talked about her children and grandchildren she would just glow she loved you all so much. Her life was a gift to many. I will miss having a chat over coffee with her or just having a chat meeting in the hall or the laundry room, seeing her always made my day. I have so many wonderful memories of times with your family especially at Christmas they were always special. I hope that the wonderful and fun memories you have in your hearts will give you strength and peace in the coming days. My thoughts are with you.
John and Kelly Watterton
Linda and Brad, Rhys and Rhonda and family,
Sending our sincere condolences and sympathy to your family.May all the wonderful memories you have help during this difficult time.
Glen and Linda Finch
Rhonda and Family
I am sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathies to you all.
Nancy Maltby-Webster
Dear Linda, Rhys and family
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. She had a heart of gold and would do anything to help or comfort anyone. She was especially kind to my three daughters while they were growing up. We were privileged to be her next door neighbor. She was always smiling and had an infectious laugh. May she rest in peace.
Nancy Maltby-Webster
Deborah and Rich Hunter
Rich and I were saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. We remember her fondly as welcoming us to Ilderton in 2005. I myself was truly grateful for the inclusion of a couple of Thirsty Thursday at her friend MaryEllen Rin’s home, as well as her sister Diane’s home. What an incredible experience it was for us to enjoy the experience of the wonderful group of ladies that enjoyed decades of friendship. We welcomed the friendship of both big Mary, little Mary, Nancy, ,Elvy. If I’ve left any ladies out I apologize. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for welcoming us to Ilderton in.
Bill and Trish Thompson
Linda, Rhys and families. We got to know Donna and Bob through Doug and Linda Scott. Oh what fun we have had over the years in Ilderton and the Bruce Peninsula. She was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in Peace sweet Donna.
Belinda Bowman & Family
Linda, Brad, Rhys, Rhonda and family, I’m so thankful I got to have such a wonderful woman to grow up around. Memories I will forever cherish, one liners I will never forget, and an early start on cards. She will be greatly missed. Sending you all our love.
Chelsey Passmore
Linda, Brad, Karly & Alan; Rhys, Rhonda, Curtis & Dylan,
The world has lost a truly incredible woman. What a blessing it was to live life with Aunt Donna being such a big part. Many memories from church, social gatherings of the “crazy ladies”, sing alongs, dinners, cards, Ilderton Fair’s, and so much more. The one thing I could always count on – loads of laughs, jokes, drinks, a swear word or two, and a lot of fun!
What a party heaven is having!!
Her legacy lives on in each of you.
Sincerely,
Jon, Chelsey (Manning) and Taylor Passmore
Margaret Rivard (Margot)
Margaret Rivard and Family FEBUARY 28, 2025
Please accept my condolences for Donna here at Parkview Apartments Ilderton greeted me here with taking my picture in the common room. She always kepeps me on time with her need to look after the clock time each day recognizing our birthdays which is special. Her love of helping decorating at Christmas 🎄 is given to share with others her love of making a social activity for the tenants. She did love the sports of curling here in Ilderton watching hockey. Boston is her favourite team . Vegetables that came in by family were greatly appreciated. Thanks for sharing Donna gifts I will truly miss her at Parkview .
Bob Evans
Linda, Rhys, Brad, Rhonda & families.
I know you know how much I loved your Mom – my Aunt Donna for so so many years.
I know too how much of a wonderful Mom & Grandmother she was to you & your children.
Donna was my Mom’s best friend starting in the 50’s & 60’s and I think it was her that suggested to my Mom that that Tom Robson guy might be a good catch.
I am sad. I loved talking Curling with Donna- she knew every team member of every team in the Men’s Brier & the Women’s Scotties. I will cherish the bimonthly Sunday afternoon games of euchre with Donna, Keith & Margo. Still a great player she was & she could share some quick wit with the best of us.
And speaking of her wit – I must share this little gem as it is one of my favourites:
It was a Sunday morning when I phoned her to wish her a happy 85th birthday. We chatted for a bit until she said – Bobby, I have to go now; I need to get ready for church.
Will you say a little prayer for me, I asked.
“Bobby, I don’t have all day” was her reply.
RIP My Dear Aunt Donna – I miss you already
Bobby Evans
Pam Bice
Linda and Brad, Rhys and Rhonda
It is very hard to find words to express the depth of sadness I feel over the loss of your Mom, mother -in-law, grand mother. Donna was a special one of a a kind lady. I have so many wonderful memories of Christmases spent with your family. Her life has left an imprint on all of our hearts.
I am sure that the Bowman girls are stirring things up now that they are reunited ! Always a fun time when they were around.
I know that I will miss Aunt Donna very much .
Gerald and Brenda Lenders
Dear Rhys and Rhonda, Linda and family, and the extended Bowman and Evans families,
Our condolences to all of you. What wonderful memories filled with love and so much laughter, you all have to treasure. May they give you peace and comfort in the days to come.
In sympathy,
Gerald and Brenda Lenders
Joyce Marrinan
Dear Linda & Brad, Rhys & Rhonda and families
Sending my condolences to all.
Wonderful lady;
Wonderful friend;
Dear Donna, I will miss you.
Rest in peace until we meet again. 🌹
Diane Young and Jessica Davis
Linda, Brad and families
Very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Cherish your memories.
Bob and Nancy
Linda and Brad, Rhys and Rhonda,
Donna was always a great person to have a good old chat with and was always fun to be around. She will be dearly missed.
Sincerely,
Bob and Nancy Rushton
Kelly and Brian Hodgins
So sorry to hear this news, sending our condolences to you and your family, Donna was a wonderful person and we will remember her fondly.
Brian Bourke
To the Family. We had the pleasure of living beside Donna Bob Rhys and Linda for a few years The kindness they showed us and our parents when we arrived in Ilderton not knowing anyone was incredible. Diana and I send our deepest condolences
Betty Versteegh
Dear Linda and your family: Sending my deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your Mom. I always remembered her kindness to our family when Mom passed away in 1971. You were a great friend to me. Although so many years have passed I want you to know we are thinking of you all. Treasure all your wonderful memories and hold them in your heart. Betty (Hodgins) Versteegh
Kelly O’Neil
My condolences to all family and friends .
Kelly O’Neil
the coulter family
Linda, Rhys and families sad to hear of donnas passing she was not only a dedicated employee but also a great friend over the years always a great time at the evans house
Sheila Butchart
Linda, Rhys and family. Donna was a light of love and laughter and enjoyed life, family and friends . Her sisters will be waiting with open hearts likely a beer
RIP Donna ,
Pam Tunks
Linda, Rhys and families,
So sorry for your loss. She was one of a kind. She loved life and her close bond with her friends was unique we all shared so many laughs and great memories over the years. I was blessed to have her in my life and will miss my dear sweet friend. Pam
Larry and Faye Skinner
Brad and Linda
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. May she rest in peace.
Larry and Faye Skinner
Jack & Dana Garrett
Linda, Rhys and families,
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the whole family at this difficult time.
We have great memories of spending time with Donna & Bob at the Ilderton curling rink in the ‘70’s & ‘80’s . Donna loved having a good time and we remember her group of girlfriends that spent lots of quality time together just enjoying life.
May she rest in peace.
Jack & Dana Garrett
Bryan and Liz Graham
We were so sorry to learn of Donna’s passing. She enjoyed life and was always ready for a bit of fun. May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Bryan and Liz Graham
Fran & Brian Urbshott
Dear Linda, Rhys and families
Donna was a very close friend (almost family) to our family. Donna was always kind and fun to everyone that she knew. She will be greatly missed. We hope that all the wonderful memories you have of your dear mother will help you thru these difficult times.
Brian, Fran, John-Guy, Alisa and family.
Ann Brabender
Linda & Brad – my deepest sympathy to you and family. Yes those sister’s were pillars in the community. Together again- may the good times continue!! RIP
John & Mary Walls
The Bowman sisters were special people. Full of fun and laughter but also very kind and thoughtful to others. Donna will be missed by many friends and family. Great memories to cherish. Thinking of Donna’s family at this sad time.
Cliff & Ruth Dickie
Our sympathies to you , Linda, Brad and family. She was a wonderful lady, always up for a good time. Donna and her sisters were always together at any social events. May she rest in peace now.
Murray & Peggy Morrison
Our sincere condolences to all the family. Donna was a wonderful, fun lady.
Ken & Gayle Ready
Ken and I are so saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. We had a lot of laughs and great times working together at the Denfield Sales Barn. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this sad time.
Charlene Carruthers
Our deepest sympathies to the family with the loss of Donna.
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Charlene and family.
Glen and Liz Stewart
Linda, Brad, Rhys, Rhonda and families
So many cherished memories of this sweet Lady. Bob Evans was my first boss at Ilderton Co-0p and I always called Donna my second boss at Denfield Livestock. Her talent at knitting was amazing and I still have the Christmas Tree Skirt she knitted for me and every year it goes around my tree. Loved all her stories about her family and friends. I have a few of her handwritten receipes and every year she would bake and bring in shortbread cookies for the office. She had a heart of gold. Thank you Donna for all the great memories and most of all all the laughs that were shared. The Bowman girls were one of a kind and now they are together again. Sweet peace
Glenn & Sharleen Phillips
Linda & Brad Rhys & Rhonda
Sorry to hear of Donna’s passing but what a life she so much enjoyed everything she did and attended most social events.
Growing up in Denfield our family had common tyes with the Bowman family with girls being same age and each family having one boy.With the two families Growing up together Denfield was a lively place.We will miss her but will have a lot of great memories
Nancy and Bob Manning
Linda, Rhys and families: it is hard to find the words to express our sadness in the loss of such a special Mother, Grandmother and Friend. She has provided so many remarkable memories for so many. May you find peace and comfort in these memories. Her life was a gift to many. There are no goodbyes for us, as she will always be in our hearts. RIP Donna