With great sadness, but thankfulness for her long and full life, the family announces Donna’s passing peacefully at the Guelph General Hospital on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at nearly 86 years of age from a complex of illnesses. Loving wife of Roy of Guelph for 56 years, and mother of Jonathan of Edmonton, dear aunt of Michael Burt (Sherry) of Mississauga, Gail and Lynne Doupe of Stratford and Jan McIntyre (Larry) of Salt Spring Island BC. Cousin to Debi Alleway and Bobby Alleway of Toronto. Donna was daughter of Jack and Ella Burt and grew up with her brother John (May), in the Pape and Danforth area of Toronto where she loved the colorful community spirit of the people. Later, in Etobicoke, she was part of the first class of graduates taught entirely at Royal York Collegiate. There she edited the yearbook and won a Ford Scholarship to the University of Toronto to study Modern Languages in her final year. This was followed by a varied and rewarding career as a teacher, first at the private, Albert Schweitzer School near Bad Schwalbach, Germany, then Sarnia Central, followed by stints at Clarke Road Secondary, London. Richview Collegiate, Etobicoke, Elmira District Secondary, St. Mary, Elora, and finally St. Paul, Guelph. With Roy they raised their beloved son, Jonathan, first in their new home in Elora, followed by 40 wonderful years in the stone farmhouse in Ariss. While in Elora, Donna was a founding member of The Elora Co-operative Preschool, and canvassed for the Cancer Society, a volunteer role she carried with her to Ariss. While living on “the farm” she volunteered at Guelph General, and was a Homewood Library volunteer for nearly twenty years. Donna possessed a great but quiet sense of duty and loyalty to family, and friends. She was happiest enjoying a quiet evening in the living room on the farm enjoying the aroma of the open woodstove with a good book, cuddling, in their times, either Snoop or Toby Beagle. She also enjoyed our many trips to England, Ireland and Scotland, particularly our two stays at Court Farm, Cerne Abbas, Dorset. But her happiest moments were with Jonathan, telling stories of his “adventures” of the day with great humour at the supper table. One of her proudest memories was witnessing him getting his doctorate at her old school, the University of Toronto. Special thanks to all for the medical care she received during her final illness at Guelph General and St Joseph’s, Guelph. Particular thanks to her endocrinologist Dr. Cameron Purdon for his exceptional care for many years. Thanks also to Barb and Judy, her old friends from teaching, and to our wonderful neighbour, Lorene for their love and concern. Donna was a modest person who could sense affectation and phoniness in others easily. She allowed Roy to engage in all his pursuits without complaint. She was the heart of our family and is irreplaceable. Donna’s memory will be honoured at a private family gathering. To remember her, hug a friend, pet a dog, or perhaps enjoy a glass of unoaked French Chardonnay. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com. Donations to Diabetes Canada, Parkinson Canada or a charity of your own choosing can be made in Donna’s memory. A tree will be planted in memory of Donna E. Doupe in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.
