Donna Hawkes

Donna Leigh Hawkes, 75, of Intervale passed away Saturday, August 6, 2022.

Donna was born in Saint John on August 22, 1946, she was a daughter of her beloved parents, the late Oscar and Laura Wilband.

She is deeply missed by her two daughters Heidi Leigh and Heather Jo Hapgood and  Heidi's two boys Jon and Luke Quinlan. Donna was so very proud of her wonderful grandsons.  She is also missed by her brother Paul Wilband (Ruth); sisters Bonnie Johnson and Tanya Brown (Rick) and she is fondly remembered by several nephews and nieces. Donna was so fond of each and every one of them. Donna was predeceased by her wonderful husband Lawrence Hawkes.

After Donna's early childhood in Saint John, her family moved to Intervale, NB. She loved the outdoors. She was both a tomboy and a lady; truly a beautiful person inside and out and was a selfless and loving mother devoted to her girls.

A stanchly proud Canadian, Donna never missed a chance to spout the greatness of this country she loved so much. An avid reader, she loved current events, world history, trivia and geography. Donna was also a fabulous cook and a wonderful dancer.

Much of her working life she devoted to enriching the lives of the elderly and disabled. She made them all feel worthy, loved and valued.

Donna wanted to make sure to give a heartfelt thank you to all the health care professionals who aided her as she traversed her cancer diagnosis during the pandemic. She faced her challenges with dignity and strength and without complaint.

Many thanks to Dr. Melanie Cyr, Dr. Anna Sanderson, and Dr. Abdel Salam, her former doctor of many years Dr. Mary Ann Carlos and the wonderful extra mural nurses.

Donna also wanted to extend a huge thank you to the on-call doctor, Dr. Garston, back in 2021 who respected and advocated for Donna to be able to come home and live her life. She wants you to know she bounced back tremendously with her unwavering will to live.

Also a very special thank you to the friends and neighbours, both in Shediac and Intervale, and family near and far who reached out with food, calls, and messages these last few years. A heartfelt thank you to Donna's best friend Jane Hapgood of California for your daily calls. Your positivity helped your "warrior" so much.

Donna was loved beyond words and she was a wonderful human being.

As per Donna's wishes, a simple graveside service will be held Thursday, August 11, 11 am at the First North River Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Salisbury Funeral Home, 3350 Route 106 (372-4800).

If desired, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.keirsteads.ca