Passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at the age of 69. Beloved wife of Melvin McInnes for 25 years. Cherished mother of the late William Avery (2006). Dear sister of Lorna (Danny) Williams of Nova Scotia and Carol Baker of Hamilton and sister-in-law of Gary McInnes of Lucknow, and Danny and Janice Vernon of Atwood. Survived by her parents-in-law George and Betty McInnes of Lucknow. Predeceased by her parents Robert and Murial (Spero) Moses.
Donna worked as the crossing guard in Exeter for 8 years. She shared her loving, outgoing and caring personality with each person she met and enjoyed every interaction. Donna made a lasting impression on many people in the Exeter community and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 40007 Kirkton Road, Centralia on Friday, February 16th from 9:30 – 10:30 AM. Donna’s funeral service will be held following the visitation at 11 AM at the church. Interment Exeter Cemetery.
If you are unable to attend the service in person, watch the service live or at your convenience by visiting https://www.youtube.com/@EmmanuelBaptistChurchExeter1/streams.
Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in memory of Donna 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).
Jason Bourne
So sorry to hear of Donna’s sudden passing. My sincerest condolences to the family.
David Brown
My condolences Melvin
Rest in peace Aunt Donna
Love David
Gloria Turner
Donna was a lovely younger cousin of mine. Her Dad was my Mother’s younger brother, long gone but not forgotten. We shared many family outings and gatherings many, many years ago that I remember well and cherish. Our heartfelt condolences to Donna’s husband and family, and to her sisters Lorna and Carol. Rest in peace Donna after a life well lived. Cousins Gloria, Bruce and Mark.
Mark Heimrich
Melvin & all Donna’s family & friends;
Our sincere sympathy in Donna’s passing. Seeing Donna at the corner of Main & Victoria was a staple part of my day, and that of my staff, most week days for the last 8 years. We shared many, many a wave and some good chats on occasion. What a kind and dedicated woman she was. She will be missed by many. RIP Donna.
Mark & Julie Heimrich & Staff at Lifetime Water Products.
Kaylin
It is so upsetting to hear this news. I never knew Donna personally but she was an amazing person from what I knew. She was so amazing crossing the kids and you could tell she was really passionate about keeping us safe. My condolences to her family and I pray for you all who are struggling with this loss.
Clara Vanderlaan
Donna , you are with your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . Last Thursday morning you came to coffee break Bible study as you always did dressed and ready to serve as “crossing guard” for your precious children that you met everyday at morning, noon and after school. You were proudly wearing a special fuschia coloured shirt that said Philippians 4:6,7 …..”Do not be anxious about anything , but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving , present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Donna took her position as “guard” so seriously knowing God put her in charge of each child crossing busy Main Street – hwy #4. She initiated conversations with meaning and purpose knowing each child mattered to God.
We will all miss her determined and vibrant spirit having being privileged to let her minister to each one of us as well . Until we meet again Donna in our King Jesus’ Presence .
Linda Nagle
Dear Melvin and family …It is with a heavy heart that I send condolences for your loss..Donna was a true gem in our community.. who loved the Lord and blessed many people..
We loved Donna very much and will miss her always..
Linda Nagle
Scott Stein
Donna was such a special member of our church family, and a great example of a Christian who made every effort to shine the light of Jesus wherever she went. We rejoice that she is now at home with her Lord, but are truly going to miss her, and want to wish Melvin and all Donna’s family our deepest sympathies.
Carol Ann Baker
To Melvin, so deeply sorry for your loss. Donna was such a sweet beacon in our world, and I know she is in the arms of our Lord and Saviour now. Bless you Donna, and rest in peace. Your sister, Carol Baker.
Lorna Williams
Donna was my younger sister. She was a little monkey as a child, and I loved to make her laugh by doing funny skits and voices.
As she grew up, I always admired her tenacity. She never said “I can’t do it”. She just dove right in and gave the job her best. Her love for children and animals was evident in her job as crossing guard for the school children, and her many pets over the years — dogs, cats, bunnies, and birds. She will be missed dearly by those who were lucky enough to know her.
Thank you Melvin, for taking good care of Donna. You made her a happy wife for 25 years.
When she lost her only child, William to cancer at age 17, it was the hardest blow she had to bear. Donna found peace in her convictions and her faith. God has taken her now. I pray that William will meet her at the Rainbow Bridge.
Love, your sister Lorna xx
Lorraine Sutherland
Donna and I were friends for some time. She used to sit with me in church until her husband said she couldn’t behave with me bcuz she loved to whisper during service, Donna made me think about my convictions when I got pregnant out of wedlock. But when we we’re together she made me feel like a kid.
Condolences to her husband, Donna always talked about Melvin as she told me he was her rock. Love and miss your smile girly
Amanda
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I’ve thought about her often since we moved away 3 years ago. My kids loved chatting with her on their way to and from school. She always loved their fun winter hats, and was so happy to wear the owl one the kids gifted her just before our move. Our thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
Becky Kirk
Donna will truly be missed by so many. She would chat with me about her dogs and was always waving when we drove past. My daughter mentioned yesterday that she hadnt seen her this week, she was an important part of many kiddos days. Our deepest sympathy to her family.
Bob & Elaine England
Our thoughts and prayers to all the family
Gloria pear
Melvin..so sorry for your loss Donna and the I always talked her stories made us laugh she was a quirkie but pleasant woman who would make me laugh she will be missed my prayers go out to you and your family..
Jane Haggitt
Very sad to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by many. My deepest condolences, Melvin
Barbara Mitchell Mitchell
My sincere condolences to the family and prayers
Rachel Jaques
My boys (10, 13 and 14) were just talking about “Miss Donna” at dinner tonight, that they had been missing her at the cross walk for the last couple of days. So sad to hear of the loss of such an amazing and kind woman. My thoughts are with all that loved Donna.
Jessica Lobb
Donna was such a wonderful lady. She helped our girls cross the highway safely for many years. They were very sad to hear this news. Our prayers go out to Donna’s family during this tough time.
Tom, Tracy Humphreys and family
Melvin
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
May cherished memories be with you always.
Betty Kirk
May you rest in oeace, Donna.
The children will certainly miss you and your hat collection.
Betty Kirk (neighbour)
June Mcdowell
I always enjoyed conversations with Donna. I will miss her! My condolences to Melvin and family!
Maureen Cole
Donna, so enjoyed her job, and connections with the youth as the crossing guard. She will be missed by many! She has earned her wings to heaven.
wendy gregoire
Our thoughts and prayers to all .
Wendy Gregoire.
Fran Ritchie
Mel I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.
Lisa Staton
Donna was a bright spark in our weekly Bible Study and will be greatly missed. She was always quick with a personal story and Christian testimony. I know she’s resting in her Saviour’s arms.
” And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Revelations 21: 4
Jessie Brown
Donna was such a friendly woman who treated others with great kindness. I was very lucky to have known her. My deepest condolences to her family.