Donna very kindly shared her life story with club members.
On her father’s side, both grandparents were born in Croatia. They moved to Richmond in 1925. Her paternal grandfather was a miner most of his life, then became commercial fisherman. Family had a strong European upbringing – lamb in the oven, sauerkraut fermenting and stomping grapes for wine. House was always full of company and conversation. On her mother’s side, both grandparents were born in Wales. They moved to Richmond in 1918 and started in a small houseboat on Fraser River. Her maternal grandfather worked the Fraser River his whole life as he owned a fleet of tug boats. Growing up, life was full of cousins, camping, fishing, laughs & card games. Both grandparents never left Richmond. Donna’s father worked in canneries from age 13 until retirement. Donna’s mother was an entrepreneur, owning businesses as well as buying and selling homes.
For Donna, family is the most important thing. She has over 60 relatives in lower mainland so very weekend seems to be filled with wedding and birthdays. She takes care of her parents as well as one aunt and one uncle. Since Donna is not able to have children, she was given opportunity to raise and to financially support three nieces. Donna is very proud of these young ladies. One has a degree in law and an MBA. Another has bachelors in international relations and political science. The third niece is currently completing her RN program.
She lives in Richmond on family property backing onto farmland with husband Ron of 20 years, a cat, and a sister who is also her best friend. Happy home life resembles her paternal side - company on patio, stories from past, lamb in the oven, and home made wine. For past 20 years, Donna has owned a cottage on Pender Island with her sister. Cottage life resembles her maternal side - family, laughter, card games, fishing, and reading. Donna is also a snowbird who goes to Mesa Arizona twice a year – for sun, golf, swim and shopping.
Donna truly enjoys event planning and travel. She was encouraged by her mother to explore the world from young age. Mindful of the less fortunate Donna and her sister always took suitcases of clothing and school supplies to the needy. Her love of live entertainment means she holds BC Lions season tickets, Whitecaps season tickets, and often goes to Vancouver Canucks games. She’s a “blues girl” who also enjoys Arts Club outdoor concerts and Bard on the Beach.
Donna has worked 10 years in airline industry as supervisor, 10 years in daycare in Richmond, and 12 years at Senior’s residence. She is currently a marketing manager at Granville Gardens. She considers herself a workaholic and is looking forward to retirement next year.
She started volunteering at an early age with her mother at Kidney Foundation and with her grandmother at the Salvation Army. For 10 years she was special events coordinator for Richmond Child Society. As well, she volunteered for Richmond Hospice Society for 4 years, visiting Richmond General Hospital’s palliative care three days per week. Now, she is a proud new Rotarian educating herself on how she can help to make this world a better place for everyone.