December 15, 1939 – July 20, 2025
After a courageous battle with cancer, Donna Marion Belec (née Brown) passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 85.
Donna was predeceased by her mother Mabel Carroll, brother Daniel Carroll, sister Betty Gomm (Arthur), and in-laws Margaret and Louis Belec.
She leaves behind her devoted husband of 67 years, Lawrence, with whom she built a life filled with love and laughter after he famously "stole" her mitten in their youth. Together they raised three sons: Mark (Peggy) of Thunder Bay, Michael (Rachelle) of Winnipeg, and David (Taina) of Lively. Her legacy continues through six cherished grandchildren: Tyler of Terrace Bay, Travis (Rebecca) of Sudbury, Kaija of Toronto, Hillary (Jordan) of Winnipeg, Kari (Meg) of Toronto, and Hannah of Winnipeg.
She is also survived by sister-in-law Marcelle Hayduk (Stanley), brothers-in-law Leonard (Angela) and Paul (Pauline), and many beloved nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Donna moved to Garson, Ontario at age 11, where her life's journey truly began. She became a cornerstone of her communities in Onaping, Levack, Capreol, and French River. For decades, Donna touched countless lives through her career at the dental office of Dr. Ronald Andrews and Dr. Austin Andrews, where patients remember her for her exceptional warmth and care.
Donna was the quintessential hockey and ski mom, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her sons' activities. Her home was a haven where all were welcome. She had a gift for making everyone feel like family, often whipping up meals at a moment's notice for whoever gathered around her table. Her hands were rarely idle; she was renowned for her quilts, preserves, peanut butter balls, dinner parties, paintings, and knitted wares. Many of her creations featured tartan patterns, a loving nod to her Nova Scotian heritage and her enduring love of bagpipes and the ocean.
Her commitment to community shone through her active involvement in Girl Guides, the Red Hat Society, and local quilting, art, and sewing clubs. Donna's generosity of spirit, creative talents, and genuine care for others left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to dear friends Lise and Joanne, Father Robert Bourgon, Dr. St. Onge, Tamara DiPietro and her team on 7N at Health Sciences North, and the staff at Maison McCulloch Hospice for their exceptional support and care during Donna's final days. A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Friday, August 29th, 2025 from 1pm to 5pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 76 Minnow Lake, 1553 Weller Street, Sudbury. Friends and family are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Maison McCulloch Hospice in Donna's memory.