Donna Patrice (nee Russell) Schneider

Remembering Donna who slipped away quietly in Nanaimo on March 8, 2023 with her sister, Lynne, by her side. Donna was born and raised in Calgary, where she met and married the love of her life, and husband of 44 years, Steve Schneider. They moved to the West Coast (North Delta) in 1990, and eventually settled in Nanaimo.

An enthusiastic photographer since childhood, Donna always had her camera on hand to capture the moment … and then share it with family and friends. She truly saw the world through her camera lens, chronicling travels which she and Steve shared (Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Europe), her own travels in Japan and Scotland, the beautiful BC Coastal scenery, the Rockies, family moments and more.

Donna was fascinated by family history and tradition. As a child, she would listen to her Scottish grandfather tell stories about the “old” country; as an adult, genealogy became her passion and her legacy. She meticulously researched and recorded her family history, creating an archive of photographs as well as a family tree and personalized albums for family members.

Donna’s zest for life was infectious. She was an imaginative and creative person with a great sense of humour, who was passionate and determined in everything she did. She was committed to her family, her friends, and her community. She loved being “Auntie Donna” to her five nieces and nephews. And she always remembered birthdays and special occasions, making a point of being involved in any way she could.

In the community, Donna’s volunteerism included the 88 Calgary Winter Olympics, the Delta Visitor Center, the Nanaimo Bathtub Races and, for many years, Shaw Spotlight (Nanaimo). She was also an enthusiastic member of the North Delta Power Talkers Toastmasters Club.

Donna was, in her own words, “a people person”. She loved meeting people and listening to their stories – especially over a pumpkin spice latte. She made it a priority to stay in contact and to share her latest news, jokes, photos and videos. And she enthusiastically organized picnics, parties, reunions and other events so that friends and family could reconnect with one another. She was one of a kind and is deeply missed.

Donna was predeceased by her husband, Steve (2020), and her parents, Glenn and Freddie Russell. She is fondly remembered by her sister (Lynne Russell) and by her cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews and extended family of friends. A Celebration of Donna’s Life was held in Calgary on July 26, 2023. She will always have a special place in our hearts – may she rest in peace.