Donna Ames (nee Werner) –
Peacefully passed away in her 86th year on Thursday, March 2, after an ongoing battle with heart disease and other health complications. She was able to visit with most of her family days before her passing, sharing her love and emotional goodbyes.
Donna is survived by her loving & devoted husband Robert (Keith) Ames of 65 years and her beloved sister Lynne Jarry. She was the much loved mother of Andrew (Nuala) Ames, Derrick Ames and Tracey (Nelson) Hall. Grandmother of Jason (Rosemary) Steffler, Christine (Dan) Holloway, Michael (Kate) Ames, Jonathan Ames, Joshua Ames, Rachel Ames, Hayley (Dustin) Nicklasson and great grandmother of Dakota, Charlie, Anabelle, Caleb, Landon and Taylen. Fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, neighbors, and many wonderful friends whom she considered family.
Born in Brandon, Manitoba she moved around a lot with her family ending up in Edmonton, Alberta for most of her teen years where she formed lifetime friendships. She then joined the Navy with the purpose of helping people, in the form of nurse training. It was there that she met seaman Keith Ames. Her “rules” were to not date sailors, but his charms wore her down. They married in 1958 in Victoria, BC where they lived for many years before moving out to Ontario to help Donna’s dad with his business. Keith and Donna were role models for love. Until Donna’s final days, they could often be found holding hands, sneaking a kiss and simply sitting with one another just enjoying the other’s presence.
Donna was an unbelievable wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, advocate, and prayer warrior for her family and extended family, and even those she had just met. She passionately loved the Lord and cared deeply for the well-being of all. She developed many wonderful friendships as she served faithfully in the churches she attended. The most memorable being St. Andrews Presbyterian Islington and Tillsonburg Alliance.
Anyone who has ever met Donna was touched by her warm, loving smile. She lit up the room along with everyone’s lives that she entered. Throughout her life Donna would exclaim over and over how blessed she has been, but really, we are the ones that were blessed.
There will be a “Celebration of Life” service on April 1, 2023, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Islington, 3819 Bloor St. W, Etobicoke, 1-3 pm. All are welcome.