Donna Theresa Austin

I truly never learned what the words ‘I miss you’ were until I reached for my mom’s hand and it wasn’t there….

Donna Austin passed away quietly, Sept 5, 2020 ending her fulfilling 85 years on earth to go to a better place.

Born April 7, 1935 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, to Patrick and Florence Murphy of Paynton Sk, she was the youngest of 9 siblings. Her relations and their families were a constant source of interest for her. She loved to “catch up” and hear of all their comings and goings, where everyone was and what was happening in their lives. I know she was very grateful for the phone calls and visits that she received from her extended family. Mom was predeceased by Gordon, Evelyn, Merton, Eileen, Della, Mildred, Elton and Regis.

In August of 1958 she married R. Barry Austin and they moved to Calgary Alberta where they spent 42 years of love together. Barry passed away in March of 2001. They had four children together; Moira, Ralph, Elleree (Darren Deacon) and Lorelei. Donna was the proud Grandma of Serena Doig (Michael Classen), Wanoni Doig, Taleah Doig and Caitlin Reid and the proud Great Grandma of Emry, Maude and Clement Doig-Classen. A mother's love impacts us all in an incredible way, always guiding and protecting, it is the unbreakable type of bond that a person can only have with their mother or grandmother.

A curious and feisty person her whole life, Donna loved to meet new people and learn their stories. Many times I remember her at family events, seeking out any newcomers and immediately engaging the person in a conversation to find out who they were, where they’d been and how they think (usually while enjoying a glass of wine). She was fascinated by everyone she met. Although she loved to find out other people’s stories and to share her family folklore she rarely shared her own personal tale.

She loved to travel, as children we would often go on road trips to visit family in Saskatchewan or on Day Trips around Alberta. It wasn't unheard of to find out we were going to a place like Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump for a picnic lunch. Later, I remember her and Dad heading off in the vehicle to go explore some new place just for something to do. I will always be grateful for the 2 trips to Ireland I got to share with my mother and my husband. Mom researched the trip, planned our itinerary and had it all mapped out with a timetable. Best trips ever!

Donna loved her family, friends, history, reading, music and life. She would often finish a family dinner with a session on the piano and some of my fondest memories involve her conducting us in Christmas Carols at the Bergmans. She was a fierce protector of her children and quite possibly the strongest person I have ever met. She didn’t always have an easy road but she traveled it with quiet fortitude and perseverance. She will be deeply missed by her children and grandchildren. We all count ourselves as very lucky to have known her and to have been a part of her life.

Thank you to Doctor Lupicuk and team from the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. The ever positive, Dana Swensen (her Palliative care nurse) and lastly but certainly not least, a big thank you to all of the wonderful staff at Agape hospice for all of the love, care and dignity you gave our mother in her last few months.

As I’m sure everyone understands, Covid 19 restrictions necessitate some additional planning. If you would like to attend a small service please let me know so I am able to coordinate with the church. You are all welcome to attend a gathering after the service.

Service is Saturday Sept 12 at 1 pm:

St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church

321 90 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0A1

Reception to follow at Donna’s house