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Donna Catherine Salby
July 26, 1946 - July 15, 2019
Tribute
We are so very sad to announce the passing of our dear, beautiful, much beloved sister, aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend, Donna Catherine Salby. Donna left us on Monday, July 15, 2019.
Donna was very grateful to have access to the MAiD Program. We thank them so much for their kind and compassionate care.
Donna was born on July 26th, 1946 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Ann and Richard Salby. She was raised with her older sister, Patricia, in the Elmwood area of Winnipeg. After returning from a family vacation, she contracted polio in 1953 leaving her confined to a wheelchair. Her remarkable parents, sister and extended family fought to make sure that she had good medical care, that she was included in as much as possible, and that she was well loved.
Donna graduated with a B.A. from the University of Winnipeg with a major in Anthropology. She subsequently worked for the Government of Manitoba retiring in 1996. She and husband, Ron, decided that year that enough was enough with the cold weather in Winnipeg and moved to join Patricia and her family in Nelson. They settled in Bonaventura Mobile Home Park on Lower Six Mile Road. There they lived happily with their beloved Bobbi dog. Sadly Ron passed away in 2003. With the help of family, friends, some wonderful neighbours and Home Support workers, Donna was able live independently in Bonaventura until 2018. She spent this past year in Nelson with her sister Patricia, niece Catherine and one miserable cat, Squirrelly. Donna considered her last year on Falls Street a unique gift. So much love, caring and lots of laughter.
Donna was funny, kind, beautiful, graceful and loved by so many people. We all loved to be in her company. The struggle of everyday living made her extremely calm and patient with people and her candid conversations and genuine kindness and interest drew people to her. Fortunately for many of us there was time this past week to say goodbye and tell her how we felt about her. Lots of tears but at the same time lots of laughs.
Donna was predeceased by her parents Richard and Ann, her husband, Ronald Jeppesen and brother-in-law Ralph Hansen. She is survived by her sister, Patricia, nieces Catherine and Susan Hansen, nephews Dennis and Doug (Rebecca) Hansen, great-niece Jordan (Calum) and great-nephews Taylor, Jack and Charlie. There will be no service by her request. Donations can made to the Nelson SPCA.
We would like to thank our cousin Marilyn for her loving support and help over this past week. Also, our love and thanks to our family for coming to Nelson for Donna’s final journey. Thanks also to neighbours, Glenda, Larry and Sarah for all their help and support over the past year. Thank you to everyone for supporting us through this difficult but ultimately wonderful week of love and reminiscing and, of course, laughter. She was so pleased with all your kind words.
Well, everyone, to Donna this writing would be too long and wordy. She wanted to keep things simple. So simply put, dearest Donna, we love you so much and will miss you forever. We hope that somewhere maybe, just maybe, you can get up and run.
Safe journey, Donnie!
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.

From: Thompson Funeral Services Ltd.
Thompson Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Colleen Driscoll
Relation: Acquaintance
She truly was a brave strong and kind .. I only met her a couple of times but she left an impression that lasts a lifetime..

From: Eric & SHAUNA Eggers
Relation: Family friend
Pat, Catherine, Susan , Doug and families, our hearts break having to say goodbye to Donna but We are honoured to have been able to have a final goodbye in person. Such a gentle soul with a calm nature whom has more than once put life into perspective for me, as some tea parties she was a sounding board and always helped everyone see reality. We will miss our visits and her quick Witt and beautiful smile, but know she is at peace with family and her Beautiful Bobbi girl. Run free my friend…till we meet again. Hugs to all the family and peace knowing she did it her way surrounded by Love.

From: Bryna Idler
Relation: Colleague
I had the pleasure of working with Donna when she was on the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. She was a joy to work with, and always had a big smile when I saw her around town. She will be missed.

From: Sherry (Puhach) Orcutt
Relation: Friend
Sorry to hear of Donnas passing. I worked with Donna many years ago on St. James Street in Winnipeg. She was a very kind, thoughtful and funny person. There are not enough words to describe Donna. You are now at peace.

From: Millie Harper
Relation: A friend
Donna was a beautiful lady, I am so happy to have known her. My prayers to you all, Pat and Catherine

From: Barbara Henry
Relation: Colleague
I am sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I worked with her on the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation and we served on several committees as well. I always enjoyed when we worked together and after our time on the Board when we met around town. She was indeed a lovely lady.

From: Bonnie Loeppky
Relation: Friend
Thinking of you Lynda and family

From: Pamela Diaczun
Relation: Our mothers were cousins
So sad to hear of her passing. Always a smile on her face when I saw her. My deepest sympathies to all that knew her. Pamela Diaczun

From: David Finch
Relation: family
I only recently connected with Donna while researching our shared Ukrainian family. She was a wealth of knowledge, honest, and a genuinely nice person. I’m thankful for having been able to share some stories with her. Donna, have a safe journey.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
Donations can made to the Nelson SPCA.
Thank You Notice
We would like to thank our cousin Marilyn for her loving support and help over this past week. Also, our love and thanks to our family for coming to Nelson for Donna’s final journey. Thanks also to neighbours, Glenda, Larry and Sarah for all their help and support over the past year. Thank you to everyone for supporting us through this difficult but ultimately wonderful week of love and reminiscing and, of course, laughter. She was so pleased with all your kind words.
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier. Please have the name of the deceased, the funeral date, the address and phone number of the delivery location for handy reference:
BELLAFLORA STUDIO
621B Herridge Lane, Nelson, BC V1L 7B3
Phone: (250) 352-5592
http://www.bellaflorastudio.com
GEORAMA GROWERS
2870 Georama Rd, Nelson, BC V1L 6Y7
Phone: (250) 352-3468 / Toll Free: 1(800) 712-6797
https://www.georamagrowers.com/
POSIES
Flowers & Yoga Studio
513 A Front Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4B4
(250) 505-5222
https://www.posiesnelson.com/
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Send Condolence - For Donna Salby
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