Donna Ann Mendres

Peacefully, on December 3rd, at Concordia Hospital, with family by her side, and after a courageous battle with cancer, Donna made her transition to eternity at the age of 77.

Donna was born in Pozdiacz, Poland, of Ukrainian heritage. In 1957, at the age of 12, she immigrated to Canada with her parents, Michael and Eugenia Mateyko, and her sister, Alice. They lived in Point Douglas for a few years before relocating to East Kildonan.

Donna’s greatest joy in life was being a devoted and loving mother to her three children: Paul, Krista, and Larysa. She was also a cherished Baba to her grandchildren, Kendal and Gunnar, whom she adored, as well as to her step-granddaughters Annika, Eeva, Payton, Lauren, and Nora Nelson.

She had a rewarding teaching career with the River East Transcona School Division, where she worked for many years in the English-Ukrainian Bilingual Program at Springfield Heights Elementary School. Donna was also a longtime choir member of the O. Koshetz Choir, where she formed many lifelong friendships.

In her leisure time, Donna enjoyed traveling to numerous countries, including Poland, Ukraine, Germany, Argentina, Egypt, and Italy. Among her favourite destinations were Hawaii, Mexico, and Caribbean cruises.

Donna is survived by Gordon, her husband of 53 years; her son Paul; her daughter Krista; her daughter Larysa and her husband Sean Nelson; her brother-in-law Walter Kulyk; and her nephews Christian, Andrew, and Ben Kulyk.

Donna was forever grateful to her Uncle John Mateyko and Aunt Helen for sponsoring her family’s journey to Canada, as well as to her cousins Kathleen, Jerry, and Patti Mateyko.

We are greatly thankful to Dr. Thomas and staff at Concordia Hospital, Cancer Care Manitoba, Cory Dyck of Concordia Pastoral care, Sister Ruth Aney of Pastoral Care at Holy Family Home and to Chris Eccles, for his preparation of the PowerPoint video and music.  A thanks as well to Jessica Sookermany and John Zacharuk from Korban Funeral Chapel for all their care and assistance

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Home of Hope in Lviv, Ukraine, through the Lubov Foundation.