It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister, and friend Donna Marie Anderson, born January 5, 1967, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, died on September 11, 2026, in Ashern, Manitoba, at the age of 59.
Donna began her life in Winnipeg, Manitoba, before making her way west to Edmonton, Alberta. In 2000, she moved to Little Saskatchewan, where she found a place to call home and settled happily with her family. It was there that she built many cherished memories, surrounded by the people she loved most.
For 21 years, Donna poured her heart into the Little Saskatchewan Abinoojii Daycare, where she became far more than a caregiver—she became Mama Donna to generations of children who knew her as the woman who showed up every day with a laugh, a steady hand, and a genuine interest in their lives. In her final 13 years there, she served as director, a role that suited her perfectly. She had a gift for making children feel safe and seen, and she brought that same warmth to every corner of her work. When her health no longer allowed her to be there, the daycare lost not just a director but a heart.
Outside of work, Donna lived fully. She loved snowmobiling and quading through Manitoba winters and summers, fishing and boating whenever water called to her, and she was the kind of person who made cooking and barbecues feel like celebrations. Christmas was her favorite time of year, she would decorate the whole house. There was a lot of gift giving and huge dinners. Her ‘love language’ was cooking and feeding people.
Her yard became a gathering place for horseshoes and bocce ball, for sitting by the fire with people she loved, for laughter that seemed to come easily to her. She was funny and quick-witted, the kind of person who could lighten a room. But beneath that humor was a deep well of compassion and reliability—people knew they could count on her, and she gave generously of herself.
Donna was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on her favourite teams. Hockey held a special place in her heart, with the Winnipeg Jets being her team of choice. She was also a proud supporter of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and enjoyed following the Toronto Blue Jays. Whether watching a game from the comfort of home or sharing her excitement with family and friends, Donna's enthusiasm for sports was contagious and brought her much joy.
Donna is survived by her husband of 39 years, whom she loved very much Brad Anderson; her children that she cherished David, Angela (partner Mitch), Cheyenne (partner Erik), Bradley, and her special son Xavier; her grandsons the apples of her eye Evan, Oliver and Miles; her mother Nellie James; and siblings Doreen Bisiak, Sandra Hicks, Sam James, and Gene James; as well as all her other numerous friends and relatives.
Donna was preceded in death by her father Edward Boyer; brother Tony James. Throughout her life, Donna and Brad also opened their home to foster children, extending their circle of care to those who needed it most.
Throughout their life together, Donna was deeply loved and cared for by her husband, Brad. With unwavering devotion, Brad worked tirelessly to honour the vows he made to his beloved wife, caring for her with patience, compassion, and endless love right up until the very end. His dedication was a beautiful testament to the depth of their love and the commitment they shared. Their son Bradley was a loving source of strength and support, standing alongside his father throughout her journey. Together, they shared the responsibility of caring for Donna with patience, compassion, and unwavering love. His devotion to his mother and the care he provided during her final days was a beautiful reflection of the deep love they shared.
Wake Service:
Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the River of Life Church, Little Saskatchewan, Manitoba
Funeral Service:
Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the River of Life Church, Little Saskatchewan, Manitoba
In keeping with Donna's wishes, cremation will take place following the services.
Her family invites all who knew and loved Donna to join them in honouring her life, sharing memories, and celebrating the beautiful person she was.
Officiants:
Leonard & Sophie Stagg
Pallbearers:
The family gratefully acknowledges the pallbearers who will accompany Donna on her final journey: Bradley Anderson, David James, Xavier Sumner, Evan James, Zhandre Gabriel, and Dallas Flett. Their presence and support are a meaningful tribute to Donna and the love and respect they hold for her.
Honorary Crossbearer:
Oliver Malyk, whose presence and support will be a meaningful part of honouring Mama Donna and accompanying her on her final journey.
In tears we saw you sinking, We watched you fade away,
You suffered much in silence, You fought so hard to stay.
You faced your task with courage, Your spirit did not bend,
But still you kept on fighting, Until the very end.
God saw you getting tired, When a cure was not to be,
So He put His arms around you, And whispered, “Come to Me.”
So when we saw you sleeping, So peaceful, free from pain,
We could not wish you back, To suffer that again.
It broke our hearts to lose you, But you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you, The day God called you home.
Though your smile is gone forever, And your hand we cannot touch,
We will never lose the memory, Of one we loved so much.
Thanks for the loving years you gave us, The happy times we shared,
We all pray that when you left us, You knew how much we cared.
Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.
Appreciation:
The family would like to extend their deepest and most heartfelt thanks to Brenda Halchuk - HCC Nurse, Little Saskatchewan Health Centre Staff, the compassionate staff at Ashern Hospital, the Ambulance Service, Anderson Family Funeral Home; and the Little Saskatchewan Chief and Council for their care, kindness, and support.
A very special thank you also goes to Millie Anderson, Mabel Anderson, Holly Anderson, Carol Shorting, Tracy McKay, Dallas Flett, and Rosemary Flett. Your kindness, compassion, love, and helping hands meant more than words can express. During such a difficult time, your support helped carry us through and reminded us that we were never alone. We are truly grateful for each and every one of you.
