Donna Hilda Keller

July 30, 1946 – June 21, 2025

Peacefully, surrounded by her family, our cherished Donna Hilda (Pasklivich) Keller went home to God and reunited with her beloved James on June 21, 2025, at the age of 78, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Born in Brandon, Manitoba, on July 30, 1946, Donna will be lovingly remembered for her thoughtfulness, creativity, boundless hospitality, and deep devotion to her family. 

Blessed with a lifetime of beautiful memories are her daughters Kristin and husband Sandro Foianesi, and Kathryn Keller and spouse Giovanni Varano; precious grandchildren Siena, Luca, Matteo, Alessandro and Juliah; dearly loved sisters Marie Kay and Jo-Ann Pasklivich; siblings-in-law Frank (partner Cindy), Larry (Joyce) and Gail Keller; parent-in-law Anna Simonetta; and many beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family and close friends who became family.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, James “Jim” Keller in August 2024; parents Harry and Evelyn Pasklivich and stepmother Ann; in-laws Joseph and Natalie (Melnyk) Keller; siblings-in-law Phyllis Keller and Joseph Kay; and parents-in-laws Luciano and Miriam Foianesi and Piero Varano;  as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins in the extended Pasklivich/Corniat family. 

Donna grew up in Brandon, where her father owned Harry’s Grocery. Donna and her sister Marie helped their dad work in the store. After the passing of her mother at a young age, Donna’s Baba Mary Corniat, was a strong influence who nurtured her creativity, flair for design and excellence in the kitchen. Donna loved ‘Seventeen Magazine’and Baba Corniat intricately sewed many of Donna’s ideas from fashion trends featured in the magazine. Donna’s legendary red velvet cake was a recipe mastered and shared by Baba Corniat. 

As a child, Donna attended Ukrainian school with Father Tarnavecky and received her high school diploma at Brandon Collegiate Institute. She furthered her education with a Teacher’s Certificate from Brandon College. Upon graduation from college, Donna moved to Winnipeg, embarking on her teaching career at Mulvey School, then at St. Edward’s, St. Alphonsus, Christ the King, Dr. F.W.L. Hamilton and Emerson schools. Her heart was in the kindergarten classroom, where she brought creativity and care to generations of children. A lifelong learner, Donna also earned a certificate in interior design, became a licensed real estate agent and worked as an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics. In 1991, she proudly earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba after years of night classes.

Donna met Jim, the love of her life, at a youth club meeting. They married in Brandon, at St Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church on July 5, 1969 and honeymooned on a road trip throughout the western United States. As a young couple, Donna and Jim loved going to weekend dances, hosting parties, camping and spending time at the cabin at Clear Lake. Throughout their lives, they enjoyed travelling to Italy, Japan, Alaska, Mexico and across Canada and the US.

Together, they built a life rich in love, laughter and tradition. Their home was a haven of hospitality; whether for a traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve dinner or a casual visit, guests were treated to delicious food, lively conversation, and, always, dessert - homemade pies, butter tarts, apple crisp, yo-yo cookies, and of course, red velvet cake were some of her specialties. 

Family was everything to Donna. She attended her daughters’ and grandchildren’s activities, including decades of Ukrainian dance and school concerts, piano recitals, soccer games and fencing bouts. Together, they shared her love of baking, crafts, games and traditions. Baking Easter Paska, making perogies, pickling, making doughnuts, homemade ice cream and other sweets are precious memories. Christmas craft projects with her daughters and summer craft projects with her grandchildren were highly anticipated, as were weekly family dinners followed by a board game.  

Donna’s hobbies and interests were an expression of her creativity and vibrant personality. She lovingly sewed clothing, costumes, home decor and gifts. She had an eye for style and colour, especially hot pink and lime green, and took pride in her signature accessories. Donna’s ‘happy place’ was her craft room where she designed and created one-of-a-kind cards to commemorate family and friends’ birthdays, anniversaries and other special milestones.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Riverview Health Centre for their compassionate care.

A Requiem Service to honour Donna’s life will be held on Friday, July 25, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Avenue, Winnipeg, officiated by Rev. Father Bohdan Lukie, CSsR, and the Redemptorist Fathers. Arrangements are entrusted to Korban Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna’s memory may be made to Riverview Health Centre or CancerCare Manitoba.

VICHNAYA PAM’YAT