Donna Joan McPhail

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Joan McPhail (nee Hill) on April 26, 2023, following a lengthy illness. Born to Nels and Marion Hill (nee Orr) on October 8, 1941, she was the second of four siblings.

Growing up in Winnipeg, she married Douglas McPhail in 1960 and soon became the proud mother of Cathy and Bruce in their first home in Anola, MB, and soon thereafter in Transcona, MB.

She was famous for and proud of her spotless home and enjoyed hosting her family and friends to dinners and holiday occasions.

She was at home serving others. She worked at Park Manor Nursing Home caring for individuals who looked forward to her homemade treats followed by the CN Training Centre and then the family Heating and Air Conditioning business in Winnipeg.

She enjoyed family fishing and camping trips and eventually a cabin at Betula Lake in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

British Columbia called and Donna relocated to Parksville on Vancouver Island with her husband Doug where they made their home for thirty years. She volunteered at Trillium Lodge and was fond of walks along the ocean and through the forests. She enjoyed years of annual fishing trips on the west coast in both Bamfield and Tofino and found a love for Maui spending the month of February there for many years.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Doug McPhail, her children Cathy Olesen (Rex Adam) and Bruce McPhail (Chris McPhail), grandchildren Jamie Olesen (Salman Khan), Kevin Olesen (Renele Olesen), Tess Pederson (Colin Pederson), Will Adam (Kylie McLean), six great-grandchildren: Thea, Zander, Skyla and Jenna Olesen and Lyla and Rory Pederson, and her sister Myrna Benoit. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Jimmy and Ruth who are survived by Barbara Hill and Elgin Zelinski.

She will be remembered for her love and care for family and friends, her quick wit and mischievous smile.

Cremation has taken place. She will be interred at a quiet family ceremony at a later date.

Special thanks to the staff at NRGH who cared for her several times over the past years and especially the staff in palliative care who cared for all of us. She was always grateful for the amazing care and compassion of the staff at Island Health. Thanks to Jill at Yates Funeral Services for her compassionate assistance.