Donna Marion Marshall

Passed away peacefully in her 82nd year at Brampton Civic Hospital on November 29 2019. Devoted wife of Bill Marshall for 58 years. Beloved daughter of the late Babe and Stan Willis of Flin Flon Manitoba. Dear mother of Carolyn Derbyshire and her husband Glenn of Orangeville. Predeceased by her loving son Stan. (1998) Cherished grandmother of Douglas and Victoria Derbyshire.

In her youth in Flin Flon Donna was active in Girl Guides, Glee Club, curled and played piano. At the cabin at Beaver Lake in nearby Saskatchewan Donna fished and hunted with her Mom and Dad. After graduating high school Donna traveled to Winnipeg to complete business college. Upon her return to Flin Flon she worked for Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting and got her radio licence to work at the local airfield. In 1959 Donna was crowned Queen Mermaid in the annual Flin Flon Trout Festival. She represented Flin Flon in Minneapolis as Queen. Donna often told stories of the dinners, speeches, Television appearances and the parades in convertibles while being there. One of the prizes was a modeling course in Toronto.

Once in Toronto Donna worked at the Ministry of Education as a stenographer and made some life long friendships. Shortly thereafter she was introduced to Bill Marshall and the two married in Flin Flon September 30th 1961. December 1963, they moved to the B section of Bramalea where they became an active part of a wonderful neighbourhood. Many of the neighbours became good friends and part of the family. Carolyn was born in 1964 and Stan in 1966. Baking, cooking, sewing and preserving filled the days as she cared for her family but not as much as her passions for the gardens. She started with an old farm field that the house was built on and it was not long until her talents showed. Over the years the City of Brampton recognized Donna's efforts. Bill and Donna also enjoyed many trips together over the years and on each trip made many friends from all over the world.

As per Donna's wishes a service will not be held. In Donna's memory please add something to your garden that will endure for all eternity. Donations in Donna's memory can be made to the Canadian Hemophilia Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Andrews Funeral home.