Passed away at the Waterford Retirement Community on Sunday, July 23, 2017 in the loving arms of family. She was in her 84th year. She was the loving wife of the late Jim Cornish for 64 wonderful years. She was the much loved mother of 6 children; Denise, Rochelle, Charlie, Desiree, Bruce and Howard. She was Nana to 12 grandchildren; Craig, Todd, Tara, Lisa, Katrina, Ryan, Cassandra, Kyle, Sheena, Chrissy, Leah and Stephen. She was great Nana to 9 great grandchildren; Abbey, Lili, Sal, Rhys, Tetley, Luca, Zoe, Era and Raya. She was predeceased by her parents Charles and Katie Jones, 2 sisters; Audrey and Pauline and a brother Robert “Bob” all from Cardiff South Wales originally. She will be missed by family from B.C coast to Newfoundland and by many friends.
To Dr. Paul Howard, Dr. Cory Hartsburg, Dr. James Shaver and Dr. Rick Irvin thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the amazing medical care and support you have given her. To The Waterford Retirement Community “The Birches” management, kitchen staff, Deb, P.S.W’S and nursing staff you have cared for her for the past 6 months with the emphasis on care, you have made her feel at home, safe and loved and you are all angels in our eyes. Thank you!
Donna was a resident of Barrie for 61 years. She was a full time mother of 6 children but decided to return to school at Georgian College where she became an Interior Decorator. Her and Jim opened Donna’s Decorating in Allandale and in the Wellington Plaza, Barrie. She was proud of her chosen occupation and also worked at C.I.L, Allandale Lumber and Allandale Home Hardware the last Department Manager of their Furniture Department.
She was an active member of the Independent Order of Foresters and was a past Chief Ranger. Jim and Donna enjoyed dancing and the 2 would glide across the floor with ease and finesse. In their later years Donna and her Jimmy loved to travel. Donna and her sister visited Spain and Paris. Jim was not a flyer so her travels with him took them from coast to coast in Canada and down through the United States.
Donna met Jim while roller skating at Mutual Arena in Toronto. Jim was smitten and gave up a chance to go on the road as a figure skater for the love of his life Donna. Donna attended Riverdale Collegiate in Toronto and was a good student. She was also educated in Wales during the war. She crossed the ocean many times to Canada because of the bombings. On the Empress of France she developed a love of the French language. She was a true Welshwomen and loved to sing in the glee club at school, the choir and around the house. After her Jimmy passed away she joined the Art Club and dabbled at drawing and painting. She was an avid reader. The most important thing in her live was Jim and her family.
Friends may call at ADAMS FUNERAL HOME (445 St. Vincent Street, Barrie) on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 1 o’clock p.m. with visitation from 11:45 to 12:45 p.m. Interment to follow at Barrie Union Cemetery. A reception will follow at St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Church (161 Hanmer Street West at the corner of Ford and Hanmer, Barrie) In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her name to St. Margaret of Scotland Building Fund.
May she rest in peace knowing that she will always be remembered for her beautiful smile which brought joy and peace to all who knew her.