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DONNA MARIE PARRISH
Born: Oct 26, 1930
Date of Passing: Oct 06, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDONNA MARIE PARRISH
It is with great sadness that we share the peaceful passing of Donna Marie Parrish on October 6, 2024, just shy of her 94th birthday. Donna passed away serenely in the house she and Bill lived in their entire devoted life together.
Donna will be fondly remembered by her husband Bill of 70 years; her children, Bill Jr. (Theresa), David (Mary-Beth) and Liz (John); and grandchildren, Sam, Ben, David Jr., Lauren, Stephen and Mina; and great grandchildren, Lincoln and Brooks.
Donna was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She attended the University of Manitoba and then transferred to Carlton University to complete her Journalism degree. Upon completion of her degree, Donna ventured to Montreal and worked there for a couple of years before returning home to Winnipeg. It’s then that she met her husband, Bill, and they were married at Westminster United Church on July 14, 1954.
Bill and Donna had a very special relationship with common interests and a love of people. Their two favourite places in the world were Kauai and their cottage in Lake of the Woods, Kenora. Every winter, for over 30 years, Donna and Bill would enjoy time in Kauai watching the humpback whales, picnicking at the beach, swimming in the ocean and playing gin rummy on their lanai as they watched the sun set. In the summers, they would enjoy time at Lake of the Woods with family and friends. Donna loved being with her grandchildren and especially loved rides in Bill’s beloved old wooden boat the ‘Peggy Lynn’ with their grandchildren perched on the front of the boat.
In addition to being a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend to her family and friends, Donna also helped so many people throughout various organizations over the years. She was always giving of her time and herself to those in need with empathy and compassion. One of Donna’s most precious gifts was her sense of humour. She had a sharp wit and could keep up to her husband and kids without delay. Her delightful laugh was also contagious and filled a room with warmth.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity that is meaningful to you and your family.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2024, Oct 12, 2024
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I have childhood memories of spending Boxing Day every year at the Parrish home in Charleswood. I’m talking the 1960’s. We would toboggan down the hill (scary) and snowmobile on the river. The dogs would chase the snowmobiles and in one instance our family pet Rusty was clipped by one. Auntie Donna and Uncle Bill would have a warm fire and big meal awaiting when we were too cold to play outdoors any longer. I also remember visits to the cottage on Lake of the Woods, and having to take a boat to get there. Life was always a huge adventure with the Parrish family. I’m afraid that after my mother’s death in 2009, I have completely lost touch with old Winnipeg friends. However the memories remain and I hope that someday I may reconnect with Bill, David and Elizabeth. My parents are Doug and Marjorie Arnott. They moved to Toronto from Winnipeg in 1970. To Bill Sr and family, my sincere condolences. - Posted by: Nancy Arnott (My dad Doug Arnott was Donna’s second cousin) on: Jan 03, 2025
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So sorry to hear, Aunt Donna was a wonderful person with a big heart. Still can see her smiling as navigator with Uncle Billy in the Peggy-Lynn. Sending everyone hugs❤️❤️ - Posted by: Diane (nuece) on: Nov 02, 2024
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So sorry to hear of Donna's passing but what a full and happy life she had. I have so many fond memories of hanging out at the cottage on Mackie Island, the home on the river and at Linton Lodge. As mentioned in her memorial her laugh was contagious and unique. She was always so interested in what the younger generation was up to. She will be missed by all but certainly most of all by Bill Sr, my best wishes go out to him. - Posted by: Brad Abbott (family friend) on: Oct 21, 2024
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Donna Marie Parrish 26 October, 1930 – 6 October, DEBRA STANSFIELD Colleague October 12, 2024 To Bill Sr (Mr. Parrish),Bill Jr, David, Liz and family: I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I only had occassion to meet Mrs. Parrish a few times during my few short years in my role as receptionist at P & H, but I found her to be an immensely kind, welcoming, down to earth and very gracious woman. She was a true lady, in every sense of the word. I was very young (19) when I started my career at Parrish & Heimbecker, way back in 1980, but looking back over the years, through job changes and life changes, P & H still stands today as my favourite job! I miss all those I worked with, some who have, sadly, since passed: John Field, Jim Astwood (whose daughter Marilyn married my cousin Ted who was her first husband), Ray Frost, Dave Parkin, Bev Thom, Roy Finnen - may they all rest in peace. And those who remain with us still, but with whom I have lost touch over the years - Sherril Douglas, Gerry Hurley, Barb Marshall (nee Mazza), John Gledhill, and of course, the greatest, most caring and wonderful boss any young girl in her first job could ever hope for - William Bruce Parrish ("Mr. Parrish" as he was known as by me, aka: "Mr. P"). Yes, even after 44 years, I still remember their names and faces and the wonderful times we all had together. We truly were friends and enjoyed each other's company. It was glaringly obvious to anyone who spoke with Mr P. how much he loved, respected and adored Mrs. Parrish. He spoke of her often, and, in my role as receptionist, I had the great pleasure of speaking with her many, many times on the phone when she would call the office or when Mr. P requested I place a call to her. She always remembered my name, and greeted me warmly on the telephone. I wish I had known her better. Take comfort in knowing that she had a long, full, happy life filled with love & laughter. She left an indelible mark on the world. Debra (Debbie) Stansfield (nee Bayes) - Posted by: Debra Stansfield (nee Bayes) (Former work colleague) on: Oct 17, 2024
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Auntie Donna was always one of my favourites. She always had a big smile on her face when you see her and yes that laugh was contagious …she was always interested in what you were up too and loved to hear about your adventures. She will be missed but as a family we stick together and support each other ..sending lots of love to Uncle Bill Bill David and Liz ..and the rest of the family ..we are always there for you - Posted by: Ginny Dennehy (Niece ) on: Oct 16, 2024
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So sorry to see this notice. I always looked forward to events where I knew Donna would be present. I remember especially the birthday party she hosted for Bill’s birthday. Always looking after everyone else’s needs. A delightful, caring person. She set a high standard. - Posted by: Mary and Richard Scott (Friends) on: Oct 15, 2024
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To Liz, John, Stephen, and Mina, our condolences on the passing of your mother and grandmother. - Posted by: Ginny Thiessen (Friend to Liz) on: Oct 14, 2024
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Donna was a wonderful person and great to be around. Cath and I will miss her. All the best to Bill and family. - Posted by: Paul Sweatman (Friend) on: Oct 12, 2024
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My condolences to the family. I remember Donna as a wonderful warm woman. - Posted by: Marilyn Alexiou (family friend) on: Oct 12, 2024
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Sad, sad news indeed. Penny and I knew Donna as the skipper's skipper of Peggy Lynn. We send deep, warm condolences to Bill and her family. While there are likely few, if any, photos of Donna without her smiling the one chosen is quite perfect. Even on a dull day in Keewatin her arrival at the dock brought sunshine. - Posted by: Sheldon Bowles (Cottage acquaintance ) on: Oct 12, 2024