Eleanor "Lefty" Donaldson
August 10th, 2019
Eleanor ‘Lefty’ Donaldson Born 1939 in London Ontario
On August 10, 2019 ‘Lefty’ (Eleanor Margaret) departed this life as she lived it, a dignified and courageous woman and an inspiration to those she has left behind.
Proudly in her 80th year ‘Ed’ is now again with the love of her life Allan (Al) aka ‘Mr. D’
Dear mom to son Barry and daughter Jodi and the Best Grandma to much loved grandchildren, Laura, Cara, Jon and Maddie. Predeceased by brother Leonard and survived by sisters Barbara (Murray) and Rosemary and brother Joe (Charlene) as well as several nephews, nieces, great nieces and nephews and many cherished friends. Also dearly missed by her furry companion and ‘p.i.t.a.’ Jake.
Shy, reserved, introverted and meek - ‘said no one ever’ in describing her!
Lefty was outgoing, outspoken, bold and independent. A strong woman of character with a generous heart, love of the written word and love of laughter. She enjoyed travel and experiencing life on her own terms.
A special lady with a twinkle and a little mischief in her eyes. She took great pleasure in making someone smile or laugh. She could talk to anyone in any situation, easily made friends and quickly made lasting impressions on all she met.
Social and creative to her core, she enjoyed planning and hosting many community events, work and home parties. She drew much happiness from time with friends and family. She was a card and board game enthusiast, happy to teach new games but showed no mercy when play commenced. She made the most of all her activities; was a whiz at 10 pin bowling and as a past member of the Winter Club she played racquet sports and curled. Passionate about volunteering and being active in her community, she was engaged at home as well as in her winter abode in Yuma, Arizona and summers at Pioneer Acres.
Her history driving stock cars toned down for the city streets – she loved to drive and would push the limits in her VW’s saying she was ‘just giving them a run’!
Lefty worked tirelessly as a young woman and throughout her adult life for the good of family. She believed in the power of education, both formal and informal and pursued all things with dedication. Her incredible organizational skills, attention to detail and personality served her well throughout her professional career – retiring from Shell Canada.
As Lefty requested, no services will be held. Family will gather to spread her ashes as she desired and celebrate this beautiful, incredible daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Profoundly loved by family and friends – we miss you deeply!
In lieu of flowers, please honour Lefty’s memory, with donations in her name, to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the CNIB, to cancer research and/or to Pioneer Acres of Alberta.Messages:
Deepest sympathy to all of Lefty's family. She will be missed.Got to know Al & Lefty in Yuma. Great neighbors and friends. Great sense of humor and good will! Molly & John Stanviloff
Dear Barry and Jodi My very deepest sympathies to you. I remember her and have FOND memories. Love you Agnes
We will miss Lefty at Pioneer Acres. She was so full of fun it was a pleasure to work with her. Don and Marg Weber
So sad to say goodbye to a wonderful lady. We were neighbours to Lefty and Al in Yuma. We have many fond memories of Lefty. Whoever wrote the obit was right on the money. Lefty always welcomed everyone and made them feel at home. We have not seen her since we sold our place in Yuma but we will always have fond memories of the good days. Condolences to her family from us. Vic and Linda Sladen
Dear Jodi and Family, Tom and I had the pleasure of knowing Lefty at Pioneer Acres. I spent may enjoyable hours volunteering with her there. Her cheerful presence will certainly be missed. Our condolences to all of her family. May knowing that she is now with her beloved Al, and that she is at rest, give you peace and comfort. We are so sorry for your loss. Tom and Lois Kelly
Dear Jodi, Jon, Maddie, and family, We are so sorry to see that you have lost your dear mother and grandmother. I am sorry that I never got to meet “Lefty” but I did get a sense of the kind of person she was in talking to you. Having read this we see that you are much like your mom, Jodi. Please take comfort in your memories of your mom and knowing that you have much support from those around you. If we can be of help, please let us know. Sending you much strength, love and hugs with our deepest sympathy. Annemarie, Peter, Matthew, and Adam
I am looking at my Christmas decorations and three crocheted snow flakes are always up at Christmas. They were given to me one Christmas by Lefty. I worked with her when I started my first job out of university. She was always a smiling and kind person. RIP Lefty.