DONNA KATHERINE HENDERSON

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DONNA KATHERINE HENDERSON

(DUKE)

June 27, 1942 - June 17, 2024

Our hearts cannot bear the weight of the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved Mother. She was the heart and soul of our family.

She was the eldest of four children, born to Donald and Vivian Duke of Redvers, Saskatchewan. Raised on the family farm, she attended Annandale School and graduated from Redvers before enrolling at Teacher’s College In Winnipeg, MB, in 1960. She accepted her first teaching position in Elkhorn, MB. At the tender age of 19, she quickly demonstrated spunk, determination and grit, as well as compassion for the struggling students under her charge.

Young Donna had the greatest affection for her family thus staying connected was important to her. A weekend stay on her grandparents’ farm in Harmsworth, MB, afforded her the opportunity to meet their dashing young boarder, with big brown eyes. One wink from him changed the course of her life. Jim and Donna were married on April 21, 1962.

They affectionately and proudly raised four children. All the while Donna was successful in securing employment as a substitute teacher, within the schools of the five communities they lived. She was passionate about grammar, she was a favourite to many students and was still receiving grateful testimonials, years later.

Donna and Jim’s last relocation took them to Brandon, Manitoba, in 1988. As an astute and enthusiastic political supporter of the PC party, she secured employment as the Executive Assistant to the sitting Minister of Justice, for the Province. This portfolio was eventually shuffled to the Ministry of Health. She enjoyed the opportunity to help many people, within the community and beyond, to resolve their personal challenges by using her influence and connections that came with her position. She served with honour, dignity and loyalty to her Minister and Party. She was highly regarded by many within the community and government for her gifted communication skills and her ability to command the podium with ease.

In retirement, she accepted the voluntary position as President of Daly House Museum. Her love for history made her relationship, with Daly House Museum, her passion project. Her vision for a Victorian Garden was born and with the hard work and commitment of many volunteers and community members, it has now become a cherished location for community events and weddings.

Donna was seldom at a loss for words. She could light up a room with her presence. Her laugh was infectious, recognizable and endured time and distance. Everyone who knew her, upon hearing that distinguishable chortle, knew she was close by. She was warm and approachable thus easily disarmed those who were skeptical, untrusting and hurting. She was animated, which made for great story-telling; she gave the best hugs and loved her family unconditionally.

Together, Donna and Jim shared in all the major milestones and life events of two lives well lived, both joyful and tragic. They celebrated the joy and hope for their children, as they entered into their nuptials. They shared the heartbreak of a daughter going through divorce. They rejoiced in the births of seven grandchildren. They were gutted and heartbroken with the untimely loss of their eldest grandchild, Dustin James Marr, at just 27 years of age. They worried through many sleepless nights as another grandson endured three heart surgeries before the age of 25. They delighted in the births of four great-grandchildren. Donna and Jim both faced serious health struggles and cared for each other as long as they could….”in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live”.

“Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything”

Donna was recently predeceased by her husband, James A Henderson. She is survived by her children, Laurie (Rod Phillips), Lisa Henderson, Vivian (Rick Gray), David (Colleen) Henderson; grandchildren, Jenna (Craig Heisler), Amanda Marr (Chad Reynolds), Alyssa (TannerJorgensen), Matthew Gray, Kylie Henderson (Isaac Campbell) and Jake Henderson; great-grandchildren, Jack and Charlie Reynolds, Mila and Bowen Jorgensen; brother Bill Duke (Colleen), sisters, Debbie Duke (Real Magotiaux) and Lois Duke; sister-in-law Mrs. Gerri Hammel, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

“A mother holds her child’s hand for just a short time, but holds their hearts forever.”

A private family gravesite interment and celebration will take place in Reston, Manitoba, over the summer. Donna’s request is for any/all donations to be gratefully made to either Daly House Museum, in Brandon, Mb or The Children’s Wish Foundation.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 13, 2024, Jul 13, 2024