Obituary of Mona Joyce Donald

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Joyce Donald at the age of 82 on July 28th, 2014. Joyce lived in the Castlegar area, settling in Robson from 1959 to 1979, when she moved to Vancouver to be with her daughters. She had a band during the 60s and 70s, playing in the hotels and clubs throughout the East and West Kootenays, known as Joyce Donald and the Sounds of Country. She was an active member of the Robson Women’s group, and conducted Artex painting meetings throughout the area; winning prizes for her painting of the Columbia River, done on birch bark. She was born in Alix, Alberta, January 27th , 1932. Her greatest joy was singing, cooking, floral arranging and gardening. Her family was all important and her last holiday in California was one of her favorite of all. She was an active member of her church in Vancouver, and will be missed by many friends, as well as her family. She is survived by her husband Richard Donald, having been together for 64 years. She leaves behind five children: Lorraine (Lew) Taylor, Wendy (Don) Smith, Marty (Susan), Lorne and Tony; grandchildren: Elton Donald, Corey, Lyanna and Tyler Smith; Clint and Clayton Donald; Dustin and Danny Donald and Penny Hill Raby; great grandchildren: Trinity Desmeules; Naoimi and Nathan Donald; Kyla, Kaylyn and Levi Smith; Liam Honeyman-Smith and Jeremy Raby. She was one of twelve children, survived by sisters: Doris (Doug) Russell of Sutherlin, OR, Lois (Gordon) Fitzsimmons of Gresham, OR, Willa Hines of Edmonton and Ada (Larry) Church of Botha; sisters in law Mabel Lagore of Stettler, Phyllis Matilla of Salmon Arm and Agnes Lagore of Erskine; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Joyce was predeceased by her parents Earl and Mary Lagore, the Lagore and Donald families that have gone on before. Memorial services will be held at Botha Senior Centre on August 31, 2014 from 2 to 4 PM. Memorial donations may be made to Bar Harbour Church Camp