Donna Sasges
March 23, 2023
Passed away peacefully at home, with her wife Debra (Debbie) by her side, on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the age of 58, after a year-long illness. She was surrounded by the love of friends and family. Donna was the beloved wife and partner of Debra Nousek for nearly 32 years, and was part of a big family located across Canada, the US, and the UK, all of whom were able to visit with her in the days before she died. Left to mourn her passing are her Sasges/McRae siblings, Joanne (Brent), Sharin, James (Christina), Craig (Chantal), and Bruce (Johanna), as well as her nephews and nieces Anthony, Jennifer, Jeremy, Ben, and Laura. Donna was predeceased by her father Roland (1974), her stepfather John (1980), and her mother Carolyn (2021).
Donna’s kindness, generosity, and creativity was legendary. She was a champion pool player and will be dearly missed by her many friends and teammates in the billiards community. A fierce competitor herself, she was nevertheless the first to cheer on and support others in the pool hall. Donna gave generously of her time and resources to support fundraising efforts for the various tournaments and causes close to her heart. Although she had a later career in IT administration at Western, she never stopped being an educator: even if no longer in the classroom, her special skill and imagination with her cherished nieces and nephews, the neighbourhood kids and the children of friends was ever apparent. She greatly loved the dogs that made our family whole, first Mojo, then Molly and Abby, who benefited greatly from Donna’s stamina for constant games of fetch and generous devotion to their needs. No dogs could be more loved, and no dog’s person could be missed more.
Donna was the light of our lives and we miss her terribly. Her laugh was so infectious; her smile, brilliant. She was an avid Blue Jays fan and a stern critic of bad fielding or hitting. Donna’s Vancouver roots (her birthplace) stayed with her throughout her life: there was nothing she liked more than to be by the water and listen to the waves. For her, London was an ideal home – close to two Great Lakes, to the big city for visits, but a small enough city to build her community of friends. Donna spent many enjoyable hours visiting with friends in the backyard in the warmer months, or around the fire in cooler ones (our own private cottage in the city). She brought beauty into the world and we are all the poorer for being here without her.
Cremation has taken place. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Donna are asked to consider the Humane Society London & Middlesex, Life*Spin, or the United Way Elgin Middlesex.
Please join us in celebrating Donna’s life — come to share your stories and memories of her with her friends and family. Light refreshments will be served.
When: Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Where: Strokers Billiards, 390 Springbank Drive London, ON N6J 1G9
Leave a tribute for Donna Sasges
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A donation has been made to Life*Spin. Message from the donator: We're wishing you and your family courage and peace during this time of mourning. On behalf of UWOSA, please accept our deepest sympathies.
A donation has been made to United Way. Message from the donator: Dear Debra, Donna was such a kind and joyful person. Her loss breaks our hearts. We honor her with a donation to the United Way. We will always cherish her memory. May she rest in peace!
I was so sorry to learn of Donna's passing. I had the pleasure of getting to know Donna while we worked together at Western. Donna was very committed to the overall Western community. She was a good friend and will be missed.
I miss Donna dearly. Her friendly and caring chats were inspiring. As a contract trainer at WTS and having the same name when participants would mix up us, we often referred to each other as “the other Donna”. Donna always had my back and was great on the details. My condolences to Debbie and Donna’s family.
Like so many at the office, I was shocked to read the news of Donna's passing. I always enjoyed seeing her when I headed up to the office; we always had great talks, and she shared a passion for the outdoors. I also learned (the hard way) that she can't be beaten in a game of pool. She will be thoroughly missed and I hope her memory and amazing spirit always lives on in those that knew her.
Donna will be missed by all that knew her. So sorry for your loss. Sending condolences and heartfelt sympathies to all that love her. Hugs to Deb I know that you will miss her greatly. <3
Donna was such a sweet soul! It was my pleasure to work with her during her employment at Western. She was always a purveyor of kindness, caring and hope. Rest peacefully, Donna; we are all a little better for having known you.
A donation has been made to Life Spin. Message from the donator: Dear Debra, Donna was and remains a source of good and kindness in the world. We've honoured her with a donation to Life Spin.
Services for Donna Sasges
Memorial Celebration will be held at:
Strokers Billiards
390 Springbank Drive,
London, Ontario
August 20, 2023 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
I had the privilege of working with Donna with the City of Edmonton Daycamp program through the River Valley Outdoor Centre. What a wonderful woman, fantastic laugh, and huge heart. Not to mention a great dancer. "Saggyass" as we liked to call her, will always hold a special place in my hear. She helped me when I was an education student at the U of A. I thought of her often and wondered how she was. My deepest condolences to her wife and family. I'm truly sorry for your loss. She was wonderful.
~ Bill Bagshaw