Donna Lynn Pirie (nee Sabo), passed away at her home in Oakville on November 6th, surrounded by her loving family.  Donna is survived by her beloved husband Bill of 58 years, her treasured children: Craig (Tanis), Debbie (Phil), Cheryl (Andrew) and adored grandchildren: Maddie, Sebastien, Jack, Elle, Charlie, Brooke, Will and Kate, her brothers Warren, Roger (Kathy), loved by her nieces and nephews, and predeceased by parents Ernest & Jean Sabo and sister-in-law Lucy Sabo.  Donna will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Donna was born and raised in Caledonia where she could often be found at the ice rink figure skating, or in the kitchen with her mother, who passed along cherished family recipes.  After high school, Donna left Caledonia to pursue nursing, and in 1965 Donna graduated with the class at Saint Joseph's in Hamilton.  She met the love of her life, Bill, during her final year of study and they were married in November of 1965.  In late 1966, Bill and Donna moved to London, ON.  With their first child on the way, Donna gave up her love of the operating room to devote herself to being a fantastic and loving mother. Two children later, another move brought them to Oakville in 1971, where Donna called home for over 50 years.

Donna led a rewarding life raising her family, volunteering at schools, Gairloch Gardens Gallery, and producing prize-worthy baking and cooking, most famously her "grandma muffins" and banana bread, whose recipes have been sought after by many.  Life was busy with a young family, but Donna carved out time to pursue her own interests.  She was a talented artist and painter, enjoyed knitting, crafting and photography, and once a year could be found dancing in the Oakville Club's Cabaret chorus and kickline!  Donna cherished her friendships with her neighbours, her Oakville Club ladies, nursing sisters, and dear friends she met throughout her travels. She was loved by so many.

In the mid-eighties, Donna returned as an operating room nurse at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, but left to support Bill's company, Daemar Inc.  Donna and Bill were an amazing team, supporting each other on all fronts from work, to raising a family and together they created an enduring legacy.

They shared a passion for travel and together they explored the world, starting with their honeymoon to Mexico, a rarity in the 1960s.  They were fortunate to travel to over 70 countries with family and friends, both for work and leisure. As they travelled the world, Donna's passion for cooking spilled over into her love of restaurants and she was well-known for being able to provide detailed recommendations of where to eat in remote locations around the globe.  Work travels often took them to South Carolina, and Hilton Head Island became her beloved 'home away from home'.  Donna, a "Barrington Babe", loved her twenty years of wintering in Hilton Head Island, soaking up the sun, shopping for her stylish outfits, collecting shells, planning cocktail and full-moon parties by the beach and sharing her love for the Island with her grandchildren.

Donna was the foundation of her family, hosting extended family holiday gatherings for most of her adult life. She was an expert in the kitchen, where you'd often find her humming her favourite show tune and tapping her toes as she worked her magic with her culinary delights.  She was an expert shopper, always able to scope out a deal and help you track down the perfect item you were looking for.  She had a quick wit and an array of one-liners that her children and grandchildren will no doubt pass on for years to come.  She was an incredible woman who, first and foremost, adored her family, which can be seen in the thousands of pictures and videos collected in home movies, slides, photo albums and digital collages.

The family appreciates the support of the ALS Society and all the wonderful health care personnel who cared for Donna.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday February 19, 2024 at the Oakville Club, 56 Water Street, Oakville from 3 pm - 5 pm.