Donna Belle Olinyk

February 24, 2012

Donna, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away on February 24 at the age of 70 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 47 years, Ken; her son Kent (Mary), daughters Barbara (Dave) Gresham and Kathy (John) Mikulcik; her nine treasured grandchildren; sisters Linda (Neville) Newby and Sandra (Frank) Gibson; extended family and close friends.

She spent her childhood in Kitchener/Waterloo and moved to Montreal, where she met and married Ken. They settled in Calgary in 1966. Donna had many passions, including baking, cooking, sewing, knitting and quilting. She used her Godly gifts to serve loved ones as well as others in need. She was very supportive of her husband’s career and she cherished her 12 years snowbirding in Sunny Arizona.

Donna lived her life to the fullest with no complaints or regrets even in the last 14 years of her life which was filled with tremendous pain. She was an inspiration to the lives of the people she touched.

The Memorial Service will be held at Airdrie Alliance Church, 1604 Summerfield Blvd S.E., Airdrie on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N2 and/or Canadian Diabetes Association, 204, 2323 – 32 Avenue NE, Calgary Alberta T2E 6Z3 in her name.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family.

Messages of Condolence

This is their daughter, Kim. We are so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. I've let Mom and Dad know, they are in Hawaii until March 11. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Regards, Kim Nickel

- Nick and Lee Manson

Dear Ken & Family Please know that my deepest sympathy is extended to you and your family at this time. Donna and I shared a common bond, we were both from Montreal. When we met in IODE we shared stories about Montreal. She was a great lady and i, like other's will miss her. God bless Cathy Grimsdale & Family!

- Cathy Grimsdale

Kent and Mary, We are very sorry for your loss. As time goes on hopefully you can share many treasured memories of your mother with your children and family. Al & Adele Caton

- Al & Adele Caton

Ken & Family, I am so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. When I worked at Carefree Resort, she was always friendly and I enjoyed visiting with her. She will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care, Sharmon

- Sharmon Roemmele

To Ken & Family. Sorry about your loss Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

- Bill & Ann Symborski

Dear Ken & Family, May we extend our Sincere Condolences to you all on your loss of Donna. May tender memories bring you strength, and may the power of love be the blessing that comforts you. We have fond memories of our times together at New York Life. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Ron and Bonnie

- Ron LePan

Dear Ken, Kent, Mary & Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Donna was an amazing, caring woman; full of love and a lust for life. She will be fondly remembered and treasured by all who were lucky enough to know her. We are grateful we got the chance, albeit briefly, to spend time with her. Without Donna, who knows if Allan would have ever proposed! Much love is being sent your way! xoxo

- Allan & Allison Akizuki

Hi Ken and Kent and Barbara and Kathy, Donna was a very important person in all your lives and it was very obvious when we all lived in Ottawa how much she loved each one of you. We first met Donna in Ottawa when our daughter Holly and Kathy started Grade 1 together - they soon became fast friends and are still good friends today. Donna was such a positive person in Holly's life and we thank her for that. Barbara and Kathy and Holly all hung out together and one thing I remember is how much the 3 of them loved going to Brownies when Donna was their leader. They accomplished lots and had lots of laughs but there was no funny business going on either. You always knew where you stood with Donna Olynik and thats how I remember her. She was a strong community person and a strong family person - she will be missed by many. May all your fond memories keep her close. In Sympathy, Doug and Christine Allen

- Doug and Christine Allen

So sorry on your loss but so relieved Donna is out of her painfilled days. She is most certainly in a better place.I know you will miss her and I too....memories of Sunfish Lake parties fill my head. I visit Mom anmd Dad regularly and of course Don and Dorothy are right next door so I will visit them all and tell them about her. They likely are together already. My thoughts and prayers remain with you.

- David Playford

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