Donnabel (Donna) Elizabeth Christie was a Hairdresser/School Teacher.
3 Notes for DONNABEL "DONNA" ELIZABETH CHRISTIE:
ALMAQUIN NEWS
OBITUARIES
Donna E. Dennis
SUNDRIDGE:
Tom Brokaw's now well-known book defined them as 'The Greatest Generation.' A generation that lived through two world wars, the Great Depression and much, much more. On June 27, 2001 this group lost one of its members with the death of Donna Elizabeth Dennis.
The funeral service was held on June 29, 2001 at Knox Presbyterian Church in Sundridge, conducted by her friends, the Rev. Freda and the Rev. Graham McDonald. Interment is at Strong Cemetery, Sundridge.
Left to mourn her are children Allan (Linda) of Sundridge and Carol (Bob) Zagrosh of Kansas City, US, grandchildren Mark, Kristin, Sherry and Kevin and great grandaughter Kayla, brothers Lloyd (Edith) Christie and Dave (Muriel) Christie, both of Sundridge.
Predeceased by her parents, husband Leonard, sisters, Doris and Jeanette and brothers Malcolm and Hugh.
Pallbearers were grandsons Cpl. Mark Dennis of Edmonton and Kevin McCogan of Barrie, nephews Malcolm Christie of North Bay and Peter Christie of Sundridge and good friends Don Richardson and John Standing, both of Sundridge.
Born on June 26, 1914, her parents, Malcolm and Harriet (Abar) Christie, named her Donnabel. A name she shortened in later years to Donna.
She was one of seven children born to the Sundridge area pioneer family. Her father worked at the family lumber mill, while her mother was busy raising the family as well as serving as the village midwife.
After moving to North Bay, she took courses in hairdressing. She worked in this industry until midway through the second world war, when she moved to St. Thomas, Ontario.
Here she opened her own salon with her lifelong friend Phylis. She spoke with great fondness of the wonderful experiences she had during this time.
Following the war she met Leonard Dennis in Tillsonburg, who had returned from the campaign through Italy as a Sgt. Major with the Prince Edward-Hastings Regiment. It wasn't love at first sight, but with a two year romance a great bond grew that remained until Donna's death. She loved him dearly.
They were married on March 1, 1948 in Toronto.
They moved to Huntsville where Len owned and operated a shoe store. In l950 their son Allan was born, followed two years later by Carol Anne.
With the business not working out, the family pulled up stakes and headed back to Tillsonburg, where Donna opened a hairdressing salon in her home and Len worked at the radio station, CKOT.
In l963 Donna had an opportunity to teach part-time at the new high school, Glendale Heights. From this she was encouraged to pursue opportunities in the education field.
At the age of 45 she entered university, later receiving her teaching certificate. She always stated that it was one of the best moves she ever made.
She proved that it's never too late to improve one's self. For despite running a business and raising a family, she persevered to change the course of her life. She was an inspiration to all her knew her.
After completing her education, Donna took an opportunity in 1965 to teach at Cambrian College (now known as Sault College) in Sault Ste. Marie.
After a couple of years there, a new opportunity appeared at the new school back in her home town of Sundridge. In l967, she and the family once again moved on as Donna began work at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School.
Tragedy struck in l970, when she lost her beloved Len on March 25. It marked the end of a two year battle that he and the family fought against cancer.
Her great strength again came to the fore, when Donna picked up the pieces and moved onto to a new adventure at North Collegiate in Barrie. She enjoyed her time here, making many new friends and taking on new challenges.
After a few short years in Barrie, Donna then took an opportunity to teach at Twin Lakes Secondary School in Orillia.
Again she took excitement in another new adventure. It was also at this time that she began a another new phase in her life: traveling. She maintained this past-time into her 80s, traveling across the world and throughout North America.
In l979, Donna again entered another new phase of her life as she retired from teaching. She returned to her home in Sundridge, which was built on the site of her family home where she and her six siblings were raised.
Along with her traveling, Donna spent a great deal of her time helping to raise her grandchildren, Mark and Kristin. As well, she was involved with the Canadian Red Cross, UCW, worked as polling clerk in many municipal, provincial and federal elections and was a member of the Sundridge Bridge group, of which she had many fond memories and made many good friends.
Unfortunately in l998, poor health forced Donna into Eastholme Home for the Aged in Powassan. Despite the loss of sight, fractured hips and vertebrae, Donna maintained her great spirit and sense of humour right to the end.
She was indeed a member in good standing of 'The Greatest Generation.'.