Donna Gail Sutherland

April 9, 1961 – July 16, 2017

Peacefully, with her family by her side, Donna Gail Sutherland passed on July 16th after a 4 year long and hard fought battle with cancer. Donna will always be remembered for her sass and fiery redhead spirit. Donna had such an energy to her, all that knew her appreciated her wisdom and strong spiritual connection.

Donna was a woman of many talents. She grew up barrel racing, riding horses, highland dancing and driving a semi-truck across Canada. Donna’s pride and joy were her three kids Amanda, Nicolas and Katie. As much as she would hate to admit it, she would let them get away with anything.  They could never do wrong in her eyes. Donna and Bruce shared a beautiful life together; taking many trips to Sioux Narrows, sailing at Gull Harbour and spending every Friday going out for dinner.

Donna would sit and talk with you for hours over coffee or a beer or two. Donna loved to visit and share stories. Donna had many stories to tell, a few of which she wrote into short stories and novels. She certainly had a beautiful way with words, as can be seen in her two books "Chief Peguis, A Noble Friend", and "Nahoway, A Distant Voice".

Donna had a love for all of nature; she had a strong connection with Blizzard the white buffalo. Donna would want us to share about her love for all things red, her constant need for chapstick, and her connection to eagles and blue butterflies. She was also known for a love of the casino and had luck that nobody could ever quite understand.

Donna is predeceased by her father Edwin, her favourite corgi Hannah and her shepherd Quila. She is survived by her mother Francis, husband Bruce Bolster and her children Amanda (Justin), Nicolas (Mel), Katie (Melissa) and her stepson Doug (Kayla). She is survived by her siblings Ron (Brenda), Sandra (Terry), Lynn (Gary), David (Colleen) and Tim (Marianne) as well as many nieces and nephews whom she adored. She is also survived by her granddaughter Ella who lit up her face with a smile anytime she entered the room.

Donna had a heart of gold. She will be missed dearly by all of us that knew her. There is comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering but also a deep sadness that we are without her presence. Donna was never afraid of death. In fact, she already knew that heaven was a beautiful place having been there for a pit stop. She would want us all to take some comfort in that. As Donna told us all many times in her last days “just enjoy life”.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 3:30pm in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Seven Oaks Museum located at 50 Mac Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V429.

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