We Remember
McPHAIL, Donalda “Donna” Jean
September 7, 1942 — July 2, 2020
On July 2, 2020, Donalda Jean McPhail passed away at age 77. Donna is survived by Peter, her loving husband of 54 years; her son Michael (Jennifer Del-Rio) and daughter Erin; her daughter-in-law Teri McPhail; and her three grandchildren Mitchell McPhail, Jennifer McPhail, and Alyssa Del-Rio. She will also be missed by her two brothers Jim Haggerty and John (Brenda) Haggerty; her niece Morgan and nephew Ryan (Daniella) and family; and the by many wonderful friends and neighbours who surrounded her.
Born on September 7, 1942, to Gordon and Jean Haggerty in Regina, SK, the family moved to Pense, SK in 1952. While in Pense, Donna was active in CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training) and 4H Homecraft, and she proudly represented the province of SK. At a very young age, she acquired a love for “Rider Pride” which never left. She began her career as a teacher in Stoney Beach, SK, and later, in Ottawa, ON and North Delta, BC. In 1965, she married her childhood sweetheart Cst. Peter McPhail whose career in the RCMP led them to postings in Ottawa, North Bay, Timmins, and Vancouver (where she was an avid curler). Upon retiring in 1998, they moved to West Kelowna, BC and became “snowbirds”, spending 21 years in Yuma, Arizona where they enjoyed many happy-hours; her motto was “happy hour is the best hour” with a scotch and water.
She would like to thank Dr. Verster for his attentive care and the palliative care team.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, www.kghfoundation.com. In view of the restrictions due to Covid-19, a private family service will be held at a later date. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Dear Peter,
We were very saddened to here of Donna”s illness and now passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Best Ron and Sheila. Keep safe
What a fantastic life she lived! I didn’t know all this about Donna. She was always very friendly and smiling all the time. She was taken too soon. My heartfelt condolences to all of her wonder family. Mike, you look so much like her bro. “Happy hour” has even more meaning now❤️🙏
Dear Peter and family, We were so saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. Our sincere condolences to all of you. Take care Sheila and Greg
Pete, Michael and Erin: So sorry to hear about Donna’s passing. I have fond memories of our gatherings together when you where all living in Ottawa. Please accept my sincere condolences and thinking of you all during these difficult times.
Dear Peter, Michael and Erin. Am simply heartbroken as you are. Donna was a very good friend for over53 years. We never lost contact in all those years. She never forgot a birthday or an anniversary. I will miss her.
Many miles and many years since we all were much younger. So sad to read of Donna’s passing, Peter. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
My deepest sympathy to you all
Dear Peter and Family, we are so very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Our deepest condolences are with all of you at this sad time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Joy (Badley) & Terry McLean.
Since 1965 we’ve been like family, sharing our stories and our sorrows. Friendships come and go as half of this one has but our hearts still beat for our memories of the good times. We send our hugs and our love, as always.
To Mike, Jen, Mitchell, Jennifer & Alyssa
Sending our deepest condolences to you & your family for the loss of your mom.
Dear Pete and Family – I am very sorry to hear that Donna has passed away. A bright and beautiful light has been extinguished. Even at this sad time I am thinking of her with a smile on my face – you had to smile when Donna was around. I am remembering the many fun times you and Donna shared with my dad and Jean and how much you were both appreciated. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Jan Devitt
Sending our condolences to you Pete and your family. Donna was a lovely lady always smiling and happy.
Janet and Bo Brcic (Victoria, B.C.)
Peter and Family, our condolences go out to the Family, Donna will be greatly missed and fondly remembered, Love Vera & Dick
Mom and I were talking tonight about Donna and Peter. We were looking at old recipes from a North Bay cookbook from 1970. Googled and found out that Donna had passed. We send out sincere condolences from both Ian and Brenda Miller and daughter Karen and son Scott.