Obituary

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 Alexandria 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 was celebrated on Saturday, September 9, 2023, with the services entrusted to McCallum & Palla Funeral Home, 11 Cambria Rd. N., Goderich. Visitation was held from 11:00am until time of service at 12:00 noon with Reverend Robert L. Clifford officiating, luncheon followed. Cremation has taken place and interment will follow at a later date. Donations may be made to the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation. Friends may sign the book of condolences at www.mccallumpalla.ca. On the scale of one to ten, Donna was a 25. We will love you forever.