Donna Mary Elizabeth Dagnone
October 11, 2022
The family of Donna Dagnone are profoundly saddened to announce her passing on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at age 78. Donna is survived by her devoted husband, best friend and love of her life of 56 years, Tony Dagnone, as well as her three loving daughters Carla-Ann (Brent), Larissa (Mark), and Shauna (Bruce). Donna was a very proud Baba to her grandchildren Alex, Cole, Tess, Kelsey, Kane, and Tenley. She was predeceased by her parents Walter Mysak and Bernice (Ortynsky), and brother David, and will be greatly missed by her sister Marlene (Brian), with whom she had a very close relationship. Donna will be forever in the hearts of numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Donna was born in Canora, Saskatchewan on December 24, 1943. She spent her formative years in Canora and Buchanan, Saskatchewan. She learned the importance of extended family and church values that were instilled in her at an early age by her Mom and Dad. She loved the frequent family gatherings. After high school, she ventured south to Regina for nurse’s training at Grey Nuns Hospital, and continued to stay in touch with many of her alumni for more than 50 years. It was in Regina where she met her loving husband Tony on a blind date, so it was fate that brought them together. Tony knew that she was “the one” he was going to marry early on in their relationship. When they married, they celebrated not once, but twice with big gatherings in both Regina (with the Italian family) and then back in Canora (with the Ukrainian family). Their strong marriage and relationship of 56 years was the type of role model relationship to strive for in life!
Donna and Tony started their married life together in Hamilton where she continued nursing and he finished his post-grad studies. But it didn’t take long for the call of Saskatchewan to bring them home to Saskatoon where they would spend the next 26 years. Donna loved babies and it was no surprise she was working in newborn care until her first daughter was born. Donna was a willing stay-at-home partner as they raised their daughters Carla-Ann, Larissa, and Shauna. Both Donna and Tony supported the girls’ interests in sports, music, and dance. Family time was a priority for Donna. Summers were always spent at Crystal Lake which provided the added bonus of seeing their extended family. In 1993, Donna and Tony and youngest daughter Shauna moved to London, Ontario. Before they knew it, all of their daughters completed their university studies, established themselves in their careers, and married the best sons-in-law ever. Eventually, they became Baba and Nonno. Donna was on top of the world! All of her grandchildren provided her with so much pride and joy.
Donna and Tony also enjoyed travelling to experience cultures around the world. One of her last trips was to New York with her daughters to celebrate her 75th birthday. She outpaced her daughters as they trekked around NYC due to her impressive fitness level! Her passion for travel was evident from the way she documented each trip as diligently as she documented the important family occasions. We would often tease her about her very extensive photo album collection. When she had time for herself, Donna loved to cook and the kitchen was her domain. She enjoyed baking for her grandchildren, trying new recipes and honouring traditional Ukrainian and Italian dishes. Being part of The Dining Divas Club allowed her to develop great friendships while trying new and challenging recipes. She also remained physically active and continued to golf and go to the gym well into her 70s.
Our family has an attitude of gratitude for the care and treatment Donna received from all the staff at London Regional Cancer Centre, Victoria Hospital and University Hospital. The healthcare professionals and support staff who are enduring the aftershocks of the COVID calamity represent our heroes in so many ways. Bravo to all of our healthcare providers for serving those citizens in need of healthcare.
While we are very saddened by her passing, we as a family will be forever grateful for having her for 78 years and for all of the amazing life lessons she has taught us!
Farewell to a classy lady who always put family first.
A private funeral with immediate family was held at Donna’s request. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour her memory may consider a donation to Dr. Mark Vincent’s Lung Cancer Research Fund, c/o London Health Science Foundation. This is our way of helping tomorrow’s lung cancer patients.
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Tony & Family, our Deepest Condolences to all with the loss of your loved one. Cherish all the wonderful memories that you all created with Donna. Sounds Donna had a wonderful life. Our Love & Prayers go out to all of you. Sincerely, Emil & Maria Fiorante (Regina, Sask.)
Tony very sorry to hear of the passing of Donna. Our condolences go out to you and your family.
A donation has been made to Dr. Mark Vincent’s Lung Cancer Research Fund, c/o London Health Science Foundation. Message from the donator: Our heartfelt condolences to Tony and family, we are so sorry for your loss. VersaBank
I just found out about Donna's passing. My heartfelt condolences to you, Tony, and your family on this great loss. I had the pleasure to meet Donna a few times. She was a lovely, classy lady.
My dear friend Tony, my most sincere condolences to you and your entire family. Donna blessed everyone she knew with her kindness and grace. I am very sorry for your loss.
Tony and Family.. Please Accept my Sincere Condolences.. I am sending Healing Prayers for your tender hearts for the loss of such a Wonderful and Caring Lady.. I will miss seeing Donna's Infectious Smile at the Country Classics Auction. She was very kind and humble.. May You Rest in Sweet Peace.. Nancy
A donation has been made. Message from the donator: The Board for the 1989 Jeux Canada Games Foundation is saddened to hear of Donna's death. Donna was such an important part of Tony's life, and Tony led our community in so many important ways. Donna was a friend to many of us in Saskatoon, and we remember her fondly. Our condolences to Tony and the Dagnone family in the loss of this wonderful and classy lady.
A donation has been made to Dr. Mark Vincent's Lung Cancer Research Fund. Message from the donator: helping tomorrow's lung cancer patients
Dear Tony and family, we were so very saddened to read of Donna's passing. We will always remember her friendly smile and easy nature and how nice it was to talk about Saskatchewan memories with her. We hope that memories like those will help to sustain you through this very difficult journey of grief. Know that there is a caring community available to support you.
To my good friend Tony and family; I am so sorry to hear about Donna's passing. Please know that I share in your loss and wish you peace and comfort in this difficult time. Bob
A donation has been made to Dr. Mark Vincent’s Lung Cancer Research Fund, c/o London Health Science Foundation. Message from the donator: Our deepest sympathy in the loss of a truly gracious lady. Donna was a supportive wife and caring mother and Baba. The hospitality she showed to guests in her home will be remembered by anyone who was fortunate to be a guest. We hope that warm memories will help you through this very difficult time. - Ian and Meredith Sutherland
Tony and Family, So sorry for your loss, our sympathy for you and your family.
Dear Tony and Family: How sad it was to see a beautiful photo of Donna in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix Obituaries. She was such a lovely woman, a true friend and one so worth knowing. With her self-effacing manner, a twinkle in her eye, and the most infectious laugh ever, she welcomed, embraced or dealt with all life had to offer. Thinking of you all.
We were sorry to read of the passing of Donna. We have fond memories of the times we were fortunate to spend time with her and Tony during the Canada Summer Games in Saskatoon . Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Lorie and Marty Irwin Saskatoon
Dear Tony and Family: How sad it was to see a beautiful photo of Donna in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix Obituaries. She was such a lovely woman, a true friend and one so worth knowing. With her self-effacing manner, a twinkle in her eye, and the most infectious laugh ever, she welcomed, embraced or dealt with all life had to offer. Thinking of you all, Carmen
Tony and family, so very sorry to hear of Donna's passing. Our condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Tony, Carla-Ann, Larissa & Shauna, We were shocked and saddened to learn of Donna's passing. She was such a wonderful wife, mother & roll model. We have happy memories of times at University Hospital & Cambridge Crescent. We missed you all when you moved to London! I wonder where the girls are now. I know that Joan and Michael join us in sending you our deepest sympathies. May all those photos & documentations she left help ease the sorrow of her passing. Marg & Ralph Schneider
We are so sorry to hear the news of Donna’s recent passing. Our sincerest condolences and sympathy to Tony, Larissa and the entire family. Donna was such a wonderful, classy, and sincere woman. She will be greatly missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Tony and family, Patty and I were saddened to hear of Donna's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to each of you. Donna was a vibrant and generous person She demonstrated strong support for London's healthcare system, the healthcare staff, and the London community as a whole. We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time. We have many fond memories of many shared social occasions which were always filled with Donna's easy friendship and kindness. Her ability to provide comfort and support to others in need was remarkable. She will be missed by all who knew her. Patty and Cliff Nordal
A donation has been made to LHSC - Dr Vincent’s lung cancer research. Message from the donator: Dear Tony and family. Our deepest sympathy on your loss. May your memories of Donna bring comfort in the days ahead.
Shauna and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Mrs. Dagnone from our high school and university days. She was always so kind and welcoming. Sending love and deepest condolences.
A donation has been made to Dr Mark Vincent Lung Cancer Research Fund. Message from the donator: Tony, We were so sorry to hear of Dona’s passing. She was such a lovely, friendly & kind woman. Our sympathies to you, your daughters & families.
Dear Tony and family: we were so very sad to hear of Donna’s passing. She was such a lovely women and will be missed by all whose lives she touched. May your wonderful memories provide comfort during this difficult time.
Deepest condolences to you Tony and the immediate and extended family on Donna’ passing. She was a lovely woman and we always had enjoyable ‘hospital’ times together.. May her memory be for a blessing… Fondly, Gloria and Joe
A donation has been made to Dr. Mark Vincent's Lung Cancer Research Fund @ LHSF. Message from the donator: In loving memory of Donna Dagnone
I have wonderful memories of Mrs. Dagnone. She was a classy, kind lady and I will always remember her warm greeting when I came to the house. I know she loved her family more than anything and she will be greatly missed.
Tony , Carla and family, we are thinking about you during this difficult loss. Donna was a special person to so many people in our professional and community life -a life well lived but too short. May the many memories sustain you as you go forward.
Dear Tony and family, so saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. I remember her as such an incredibly classy lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May her life and love be eternal.
Dear Tony, I am so sorry to hear about Donna’s passing. She was a lovely lady with a smile that could light up a room. I’ll never forget the time we both sat together at the Grand Theatre and laughed when we realized we were wearing the same outfit! She was a gem. My condolences to you and your family.
Dear Tony and family, It was with sadness for you and your family that I read the wonderful tribute to Donna in the paper today. May the memories you have of her…I am assuming in those extensive photo albums bring some peace to you. My sincere condolences Gillian
Dear Tony and family, We are so saddened to see the obituary of you wife and mother. She was so lovely and warm and she will sadly missed. May her memory be a blessing, sincerely , Ellen
This is truly a sad loss. Donna was a wonderful person, hostess and confidante, as well as just the greatest wife to Tony. Thinking of you very much Tony, and all you family, at this most difficult time.
Tony, so very sorry to see this. Sending you and your family prayers for strength during this difficult time. May Donna rest in peace.
Shauna and Family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your gracious and loving Mom, Mother-in-Law and Baba. Your family is the example for love, respect, care and compassion. Sending you my love and sincere condolences for your loss.
A donation has been made to Mark Vincent's Lung Cancer Research Fund. Message from the donator: Please know you have our deepest sympathies and sincere thankfulness. Thankfulness for getting to know Donna and thankfulness for our dear friend, Larissa. Janelle and Dale Roberta and Greg Jac and Ryan Cara and Andrew
Tony and family, so saddened to know the news of Donna’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers. I will miss Donna’s presence here in the Sanctuary. God Bless you, your wonderful Children and your loving Grandchildren.. Marg Sutton
Donna was a classy lady. I knew her "way back when" when she joined Tony in our class activities, and they were a striking couple, not just in looks but also in smarts and fun. Tony and I were in the Hospital Administration class of '67 at U of T, and I didn't get to know Donna until later. Just a nice person. My deepest sympathy to Tony and the family on the loss of this wonderful person. May God be with you.
Tony and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Donna was a wonderful lady and I know she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Sincere condolences in the loss of a beautiful soul. Donna will be remembered fondly by so many of us. May the light she exuded throughout her life brighten the dark and difficult times ahead of you. My thoughts are with you. Fondly, Pat Cuddy Muñoz
Thinking of you all. We have so many special memories of Donna across so many years. Her beautiful presence and grace was always so great to experience at family events and weddings. Love to you all.
Our condolences to Tony and the entire family. Donna was a special person who left a wonderful legacy in her family and patients. We will never forget her ready smile and cheery greeting. The world needs more people like her.
Tony and family. My deepest sympathy on your loss. Donna was a remarkable lady. May your memories bring comfort in the days ahead Mary
Tony, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt and deepest sympathies for your loss. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories Donna created for you and your family throughout her life.
Dear Tony & Family, We will miss Donna…her kindness, energy & conversation. Love to your family.
Tony and family, What a wonderful legacy and tribute to Donna. She lived a wonderful life, we are so blessed to have been in her orbit. Love to you all.
I was saddened to hear of Donna's passing but at the same time in awe of the legacy she has left behind. It was also a blessing to visit with her at Ortynsky family reunions, marriages, and anniversaries. I am grateful for the time Donna and Tony graciously hosted me for dinner at their home in London whilst I was there for a conference. Sending prayers, love and comfort to her family during this time.
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A donation has been made to Lung Cancer Research Fund. Message from the donator: Carla and Brent - We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your kind mother, mother-in-law, and the kids' grandma. May all the good memories of her soon overtake your sadness. Our condolences in this time of grief.
~ Steve & Rachel Cooke