Tribute

Donelda passed away at the Kimberley Special Care Home, The Pines, on Wednesday March 26, 2014.

Donelda was born October 6, 1942 in Kimberley BC, to Donald and Edith Trenholm.  She grew up in the family home in Chapman Camp.  All of her schooling was completed in Kimberley.  She met the love of her life Jim at the age of 15.  After she graduated from high school together they moved to Victoria as Jim was serving in the Navy.  While there she attended Sprott-Shaw Business College where she acquired her Secretarial Degree.   It was on April 7, 1961 that they were married.  In March, 1962 they welcomed their daughter Kathy into their life.  Fate brought them back to Kimberley in 1963.  Upon their return Donelda began working at the Kimberley and District Hospital.  She left the hospital and in 1967 when they welcomed their son Kevin.  She then went to work at Peerless Motors.  Then later she had the opportunity to return to the Kimberley and District Hospital where she worked until she retired.  Through her years of working at the hospital, Donelda took on many roles and was the friendly face that would greet you upon entry, she celebrated and remembered everyone's birthdays and anniversaries, and the employee’s children all knew they could find a special treat in the bottom drawer of her desk.  

Donelda enjoyed the many years she was involved with a very special group of ladies in the '78 Bavarian Unit at the United Church.  She volunteered for the Kimberley Knights and spent lots of time and energy with Kimberley Minor Hockey, and Meals on Wheels.
Donelda took great joy in spending time with her family, she also loved camping and fishing at Premier and White Swan Lakes with all of their great friends.  Her hobbies were playing cards, reading a good novel, sewing and to draw on her creative side with a good craft such as her ceramics.

She is survived by her husband Jim of 53 years, daughter Kathy (Garry) Merkel of Kimberley, BC, their children Kim (Travis), Michael, Dylan (Tera) and Riley.  Her son Kevin (Radona) Scott of Mason, Ohio and their children, Baylee, Chloe and Gavin.  Great Grandchildren Shayna, Jadyn, Kiera, Brielle, Jewel, Wyatt and Charleigh.  Donelda also leaves to mourn her sister Marilyn and brother-in law Wayne Evans and their children Darcy and Jan (Fred) Hargrave and their children Madelaine and Will.  Sister-in-laws Margaret Ann Burrin (Fred) and Marilyn Szita (Andy).  Donelda is also survived by her very special Auntie Millie, Regina SK and Uncle Harold, Winnipeg MB, along with many nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

Donelda was predeceased by her father Donald and mother Edith.

She was a loving wife, a very proud mother, grandma and great grandma.  She was the very best “Ma” anyone could ask for.

A special thanks to the nurses and staff at the pines for all of their care over the years.  
Those wishing to remember Donelda may do so with donations to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation, BC and Yukon, 1212 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V2.

A celebration of Donelda's life will take place on Monday, March 31 at the Kimberley United Church at 1:00 pm with Myra Farquhar officiating.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com.