DONNA JEAN HOUCK

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DONNA JEAN HOUCK

September 8, 1938 – May 19, 2025

We are saddened to announce that Donna Jean Houck (nee Couling) passed away, with family by her side, on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the age of 86 years.

Donna was born in Deloraine, MB, and her early years were spent in the Berry Hill area in the Rural Municipality of Brenda, MB. Donna went to Berry Hill school and then Principal Sparling and Daniel McIntyre schools in Winnipeg, MB, when her family moved. While in Winnipeg, she attended Teachers’ College (1957–1958) and then taught grade two at Champlain School for two years.

On October 22, 1960, she married William (Bill) Houck, and they settled in Lauder, MB, first in town and later on the farm (NE 15-5-24). Donna worked alongside Bill grain farming, in addition to occasional substitute teaching. Together, they planted hundreds of trees and shared a lifelong love of gardening. Donna’s large vegetable gardens were well known to family members; she spent countless hours canning, freezing, and preparing delicious meals for loved ones, including harvest meals brought right out to the field. She was a gracious hostess, always welcoming friends and family into their home with warmth and generosity.

Her gentle, kind spirit was further reflected in the beautiful flowers she nurtured. Donna was active in the Lauder community, particularly with the Lauder United Church Women, forming many cherished friendships along the way.

In 1998, Donna and Bill moved to Calgary, AB, to be closer to family. They lived in the neighbourhood of Evergreen and continued to travel in Canada and the United States. Camping with family in Manitoba and the Alberta Rockies brought her joy, as did their snowbird trips to Texas, Florida, Alabama, and California. Donna enjoyed curling, walking, hiking, and playing tennis, as well as cheering for her favourite sports teams, the Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.



Donna and Bill were blessed with 64 wonderful years of marriage, built on a foundation of love and mutual respect.

Donna was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend, and neighbour. She was predeceased by her parents, Bruce and Edna; sister Shirley, and brother Jack. Donna will be forever missed by her husband Bill, son Ed (Lee), grandchildren, Brandon, Marsh, and Hunter; daughter Tanis, and extended family members on the Couling and Houck sides. She also leaves behind dear neighbours and longtime friends.

She will be remembered for her cheerful disposition, kindness, beautiful smile, and special laugh. She truly embraced life—a life well-lived.

On behalf of Donna and our family, we would like to thank all of the caregivers and the medical professionals who have cared for her over the years and who have helped us along this journey. Special thanks to the Club 36, Seton team, and all of the club members for your friendship. Thank you to the residents, families, and extended team at AgeCare Walden Heights. We are especially grateful to the Sylvan and recreation teams, including the wonderful music therapy program, for your caring and compassionate ways over the past seven months.

Cremation took place on Friday, May 23, 2025, and the immediate family gathered on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, for prayers and the scattering of Donna’s ashes at her favourite place in Fish Creek Provincial Park—Donna’s Landing. We are deeply grateful for the many prayers and expressions of love offered to Donna throughout her life.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Alzheimer Calgary, Telephone: (403) 290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Donna’s family at www.MHFH.com.

In living memory of Donna Houck, tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 31, 2025