Donna Loraine Clark

Donna passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89. She had resided, since January 2024 at the Glenmore Care Centre.
Donna Loraine, and her twin, Dianne Loretta, were born January 20, 1935 at Grace hospital in Calgary. They grew up in West Hillhurst and were joined 4 and a half years later by their sister, Lillian Gail. Growing up through the War years, they had a warm community with many friends. Donna's dad built a skating rink in the backyard and her mom made all their clothes, dressing them alike until high school. 

Donna and Dianne would spend summers at her Aunt's farm in Rimbey, AB  and with her Dad’s family in Ponoka, AB going up on the train by themselves. Donna decided to go to Western Canada High, because they had a Home Economics class there. She did well in Languages, Writing and French; not so well in math, physics and her bugbear, Chemistry which she had to retake twice so she could apply to what became her passion; nursing. Donna was a proud member of the Calgary General Hospital School of Nursing, DC of 1957. The deep friendships that these young ladies formed while in school have continued throughout their lives and careers; which they still continue today enjoying their 65th reunion in the spring of 2022. Donna so looked forward to the reunion and seeing such an incredible group of women once again. 

Donna worked for 40 years in Orthopaedics at the CGH until Ralph’s Implosion, October 04, 1998. She then finished at Peter Lougheed Center in 2001. She said something was missing, it wasn't as much fun as it had been at her years at the general from 1954-1998. 

Donna was a long time member of the CGH Staff Nurses Association and became directly involved in the organization of the UNA, the United Nurses of Alberta. She was a member of the Interim Executive Committee and was the President elect. At the first UNA AGM in 1978, she was elected Vice President and maintained that position until the fall AGM of 1983. During this time, the UNA went through 3 nursing strikes and fought to have nurses treated with the respect they worked for everyday and deserved. 

After retiring, Donna became involved with the Grace Baptist Church's Evergreen Group and spent many enjoyable years helping organize functions. Donna was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Thelma Sayers, whom she missed dearly; her younger sister, Gail (Henry) Donahue; Twin sister, Dianne Alfer; Ex husband, Donald G.B Clark; Brother in-law, Terry (Judy) Clark; and nephew, Kelly Rickey. 

Many close friends are also waiting for Donna. Dyann, Shirley, Sybil, Ted and Carna, Doreen, Bob, Alice, Tony and so many more. As Judy Mack said, " Donna and Bob are Jiving on the big floor now."  

Donna will have an empty plate at many a setting. Her close friend Lynn Loader, Carol and Jim, Judy, Loreley, Frieda, Dolores and so many more. 

Donna will forever be held dear by her son, Mike (Monica Dauenhauer) Clark; sister in-law, Gail (Jack) Rickey; Nieces, Deanne (Brad) Jans, Angela, Jennifer and Jonathan; Carrie (Ross) Cleverly, Ashley, Devon (Ryan), Nicole (Dylan); Debbie (Dan) Carignan, Brittany, Matthew, Dylan; Lori (Mark) Daly, Emma; Cindy (Eldon) Underhill, Natasha, Nigel; Terie-Rae Rickey, Rebekkah (Caleb) Kelley; Toby (Paula) Clark, and Bree Clark. 

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Donna to the “Calgary General Hospital Commemoration Project" through the "Parks Foundation Calgary" ( 225 13th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R1N8) at www.parksfdn.com/donate-now. 

"But let me be what I do best, A friend whose always there"