On November 29th, 2023 our lives were forever changed when our beloved mother/sister/aunt/grandmother passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at St. Paul’s hospital in Saskatoon.
Donalene is survived by her daughters Stephanie Shibley (Bruce), Andrea Stack (David), Christina Pylypchuk and Lesia Pylypchuk, her brothers Ben McKinnon (Judy) and Neil McKinnon, her sister and best friend Laurie Beauchamp(Giles) and their children Josh and Denee with whom she was very close to, her “sweet people” grandchildren Jakob Shibley, Jennifer Stack, Andrew Stack, Anna Pylypchuk-Manly, Rebecca Stack, Leila Shibley, and Olivia Pylypchuk-Dyck, as well as her nieces Kristy, Susanne, and Kayliah, and nephews Bradley, Cameron, Ryan, Daniel and Joey.
She was predeceased by her father Harry, mother Marie and brothers Brian and Bob. She missed them all terribly and we take comfort knowing that she has been reunited with them.
Donalene was born in Saskatoon on November 6th, 1945 to Harry and Marie McKinnon. She was later joined by her four brothers Bob, Ben, Brian and Neil and then, at last, her sister Laurie. Mom always said that she had wonderful parents and a very happy childhood. She cherished the memories of childhood Christmases, Pike Lake summers, her dad’s stories and advice, singing and enjoying music with her musical siblings and the times she spent dragging her little sister around with her wherever she went.
Donalene lived most of her life in Saskatoon. Her education started at St. Mary’s elementary school then on to Sisters of Sion High School. She attended St. Paul’s School of Nursing and graduated with the class of 1967. She spoke fondly of her nursing years and the many lifetime friends she still held dear. In fact, they had a reunion a year before her death and mom said it felt like no time had passed. She was looking forward to more get togethers.
In 1972, Donalene became a mother to her first daughter, Stephanie. With her husband’s busy career, it made more sense for her to pause her career and become a stay at home mom, a role she embraced. Eventually, the job became very busy as daughters Andrea (Deedee), Christina and Lesia were added to the mix. Her daughters were in many activities and mom eventually became a full-time dance mom. She was affectionately known as Mrs. P. at the studio as she was always offering her dance mom skills to anyone who needed it. She truly enjoyed this time of her life especially the quality family time spent at dance competitions.
At the age of 44, mom went back to school. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from the university of Regina. With her background in nursing and her new degree she was well suited to her next career. She worked at Client Patient Access Services for over 20 years and was still working at the time of her passing. Mom wasn’t ready to retire as she truly loved helping people. She was well loved by both her clients and colleagues and the feeling was mutual.
Donalene had a passion for music and was known for her beautiful singing voice. Christmas day almost always concluded with the guitars coming out and having family sing-alongs. Listening to her loved ones sing and enjoy music meant the world to her. Her true joy was spending time with her family.
Donalene was a loyal, compassionate, non-judgemental, supportive and loving presence and she will be truly missed by all who had the fortune to be around her. Mom’s tiny stature, large heart, and youthful spirit touched everyone she met. Rest in peace sweet lady. We will hold you in our hearts until we meet again.
The celebration of life (Mass of Christian Burial) for Donalene will be celebrated on Friday July 26, 2024 at 11:00 am at Holy Spirit Church (114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon).
Friday, July 26, 2024
Starts at 11:00 am (Central (no DST) time)
Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Parish
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