Donna Joanne (Baker) Dodsworth

Peacefully, surrounded by love, at Huron Hospice, Clinton ON it is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Donna Joanne Dodsworth (nee Baker) on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in her 91st year. Donna was born in London Ontario on May 2,1933 and was predeceased by her beloved husband of 42 years, John Dodsworth and her sister Noreen Baker. Donna is survived by her daughter Catherine Ann O’Hagan and grandchildren John Dodsworth Wiber and Allison Joanne Kueneman (Adam). Her unwavering loving devotion as a wife, Mom, Nana and loyal friend was a precious gift that she gave to the many generations who were so fortunate to have known her.

Donna met her husband John at London Life Insurance Company where they both worked upon graduation. They married on June 11th, 1955, and built an incredible life together. 

John’s affiliation with the RCR Junior Officers Patrol Association (JOPA) at Wolsley Barracks in London introduced them both to lifelong friends which continued as a close group of couples known as “Bridge Club” for over 30 years. Donna was very proud to belong to Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Marathon Bridge where even more enduring friendships were made.   

In 1972 John announced to Donna and 12-year-old Cathy that he had just joined Highland Golf and Country Club and we were going to become a golfing family. Donna embraced this challenge with trepidation because she was always more comfortable in a cheerleading role. With great determination she joined the Ladies 9-hole section and became Ladies Golf Captain which utilized her tremendous organizational skills.Donna cherished the great times at Highland she shared with family and friends while maintaining her frustration with the sport itself.

Donna loved to entertain in her home and was the very best hostess with her gifts of impeccable party preparation and most importantly her welcoming happy disposition.

John and Donna retired to Port Elgin to be closer to Cathy andthe grandchildren. Throughout the years various activities ofgolfing, skiing (après ski for Donna), wine making, fabulous mother/daughter lunches with Jane Kramer and Kathryn Forsyth, Eve of the Eve dinners/ game nights filled with laughter with the Bennett family, Grandchildren movie nights at Port Elgin Cinema, ballet recitals and many Minor hockey games,happily became part of her life.

Donna lived her life with strength, grace and a wonderful sense of humor which helped after John’s passing 25 years ago. In her later years macular degeneration left her with poor vision and her love of chatting on the telephone became even more significant. 

She dearly loved her weekly “Saturday night date” calls with friend Earline Smith in Nova Scotia that continued for 37 years until Earline’s passing last year. Many of the world’s problems were solved during those calls as well as a deep analysis of the Young and Restless.

We sincerely thank her family physician Dr. Rory Crabe and his staff for their excellent care and compassion for Mom for many years at Chelsey Park. It truly made a difference. Also thankyou for the wonderful care Mom received from the Doctors, Nurses and PSW’s at LHSC University Hospital during her brief illness. Special thanks to all the staff and volunteers at the Huron Hospice Bender House in Clinton ON where she was so blessed to have been cared for with dignity. We are so grateful to Margaret Veal, Marilyn Hale, Bonnie and Steve Conners, Deb and Tom Patrick, Kristi Ferguson and Dave Wallace for their friendship and unwavering support during Mom’s hospitalization in London.

A Memorial Service for Donna will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church, 516 Mill Street, Port Elgin on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00am. A Celebration of Donna’s life will immediately follow the service in Southampton. 

Interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery in London ON later this spring at a time to be determined. 

Memorial donations to the Huron Hospice, Clinton or the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. 

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