Donna Ann Phelan

Donna (nee Hardiman) passed away suddenly on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Lake Torment, East Dalhousie. Her last moments were in the spot she loved since 1985 when she and Mike, with the help of family and friends, built the cottage. Their last evening there was a beautiful, warm night where she enjoyed a long phone conversation with her best friend of 60 years, Sandra Gillis, on the deck with a glass of wine.

Donna was born in Halifax on May 11, 1954, to Mary and Michael Hardiman, the youngest of seven children. She is survived by sister, Mary (Norman) MacLean (Bedford); brothers Brian (Rosalind) Hardiman (Hammonds Plains), Gary (Della) Hardiman (Halifax), Robert (Linda) Hardiman (Lockeport). She was predeceased by her father, her mother who she adored, and brothers Michael and Bruce.

Donna was married to Michael Phelan for 46 years. Donna is survived by her daughter, Lindsay (Shawn) Robinson (Halifax) and son, Justin (Edmonton; niece Michelle, with whom she shared an incredibly special bond and who was like a daughter to her. She adored her two grandchildren, Abby, and Toby. She loved watching Abby swim and was so proud of her accomplishments to date. She had twenty-six nieces and nephews and thirty-two grand-nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Donna went to St. Patrick’s High School and worked briefly for the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission before staying home to raise her children. Her house was always safe and a refuge for more than just her own children. She babysat many children over the years and put her absolute heart and soul into making sure that they were taken care of as if they were her own. Donna went back to work for Claddagh Cleaners where she formed close friendships with her co-workers over the years, retiring in 2019 after 26 years.

Mom loved having company at the cottage, especially weekends with “the girls”. The annual Hardiman Boxing Day party was her favourite. She loved the many trips to Cuba with great friends. She always kept dog treats in her pocket and got a kick out of Sunny pawing at her for them. She loved keeping people fed with her mac and cheese (especially Abby, Brian, Josh, and Mitchell), homemade egg rolls and chocolate chip cookie pie for the kids. Mom loved Coronation Street, Judge Judy, reality TV shows and CNN. She was always up for a trip to Bargain Harley’s. She was kind, loving and generous.

Thank you to the Springfield firefighters, paramedics (especially Lisa) who worked to bring Mom back and supported Dad during that time. Special thank you to Terry and Trish and Patricia Capaldi for all the support and care since Donna’s passing. Mom would be incredibly grateful to you all.

Visitation will take place on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 6-8 pm, at J.A. Snow’s Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at J.A. Snow’s Funeral Home at 10:00 am with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia, or Shelter Nova Scotia.