On August 15, 2024, a glorious sunny day, Donna Lou Lyons went to heaven.
Donna lost her battle with cancer, while being cared for at the hospital. She left this earth with many family members by her side and with all the love in the world.
Donna was the 4th of 9 children born to Thomas and Helen Sinclair on June 15, 1945. She was born in Fort Frances Ontario, where she stayed until the move to Thunder Bay, in her later teen years. Her siblings were her best friends until the day she died and were with her even then. Watching them together over the years, reminiscing, laughter in their twinkling eyes, you know their love is true.
Our mother had some trials in life, some overwhelming, but her faith and passion for God has always been her rock. She was introduced to Jesus as a very young girl, where she first found her unwavering faith and lifelong dedication to our Lord God, to whom she became a loyal servant.
As a young lady, and shortly after moving to Thunder Bay to attend school, Donna met Bruce. They married February 5 1965, had 3 children, Tab, Tamara and Traci. They were together for 44 years, until Bruce’s passing in 2009.
Our mom gave everything for us kids. We didn’t know money was scarce, we had all the things. She worked hard! She loved her jobs, everyday was an adventure to experience! She worked for 7 years at The Scandinavian Home Restaurant as a cook. She moved on to become a resident counselor at Beendigan for more than 35 years. It was a “job” that changed her life profoundly. She loved every moment of her time there and I know she changed lives.
Beyond anything, she loved her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. They got to experience the supreme love she had for them and the joy and laughter she brought with her everywhere. There was never a day without dancing, singing and laughter! Can you imagine growing up with this joy?
No matter what trials, what struggles she experienced, she got up, gave a little wiggle and shook it off. Like that. And carried on with that smile. She lived to brighten our days. Everyone who knows her is smiling right now. Donna was pure love.
Donna leaves behind her daughters, Little Orphans Tammy (Scott) and Traci (Jason T), her grandchildren, Jaidyn (Johnny), Isaac, Ilicia (Rigby) and Ilias. Great Grands, Emma, Hutson and Maisy. Her siblings, Delores, Rose, Art and Carolyn, sister-in-law Debra and brother-in-law Edward. Son-in-law Jason B, other son Larry and dear lifelong friend Fred. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, whom she loved so much.
Predeceased by husband Bruce, son Tab, grandson Justin. Sister Noella, brothers Bill, Tom and John. Her parents, Tom and Helen, Nephew James ( Whammy), Parents-in-law Alex And Dot.
There will be a service held on Monday August 26, 2024 at 11:00am in The Thunder Bay Free Methodist Church at 920 Sprague Street.
Thank you to all the staff at TBRHSC and at St Joe’s. There are so many people who cared for her during her time in the hospital. Thank you to each of you.
A special thank you to the PSWs at ParaMed who took such good care of her at home, with kindness and love. Thank you for making her last days at home comfortable, beautiful and dignified.
She, our mother, Donna gave her everything to everyone. She was all things. Each of us, who has felt her calming presence knows that everything will be alright.
Thank you, Mommy, for this beautiful life.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
