Royal Canadian Air Force
Canadian Corps of Signals
Donna passed away peacefully surrounded by her family who were comforting her, holding her hands, and playing her favorite country music. Donna was wrapped in her beloved “O’s” blanket and had the symbol she adorned pinned to her chest; the Poppy. Donna was such an effective communicator and was never alone or in silence as she drew her last breath here on earth. Her Son Kyle comforted her even in death. Donna was born in Gander Newfoundland and Labrador and was proud of her Native Newfoundlander culture and family. Donna is and will always be mourned by her husband, Capt Greg Smit of Ottawa; her Sons Kyle, Sgt Joseph Smit and MCpl Curtis Smit; her daughter-in-laws, PO2 Mandy Smit and Ajia Tan; her parents “Bud” and Louise Hiscock; her brothers Wayne and Shawn Hiscock. Equally as important to Donna is her Canadian Armed Forces family past and present who are too numerous to name. Donna was also a grandmother and a very proud Nanny to Braydon; she has 5 nieces and nephews, Dylan, Devan, Jaden, Isabelle, and John. On her father’s side; Uncles Dick (Heather) Hiscock, Don (Theresa) Hiscock, Tom (Eileen) Hiscock, Gordon (Valerie) Hiscock, Scott (Doreen) Hiscock. Aunts Eileen (Ray) Wells and Valerie (Bonner) Pinsent. On her Mother’s side, Aunts Amy Smith, Irene (Barry) Young. Predeceased by; Aunt Edna and Grandparents Amelia and Edward Gardner and Annie and Gordon Hiscock. Donna was a mentor to so very many lady motorcycle riders and leaves behind dozens of dear friends with the Litas of Ottawa, she was so immensely proud to be among you all out on the road. Donna was known for attracting orphans from within the military, those that leadership and institution had forgotten, or was taking its time to do something or who needed help. She knew she could not always solve their issue or give them what they wanted or needed but in most cases, something could be done; and she was the one to finally do something. It was not just at work, this is who she is, someone who wants to help in whatever way she could. She made a difference to a great many people. CWO Donna Smit emulated what our CAF culture should strive to be, Canadians who have sons and daughters in the military would have wanted Donna advocating for their child. Donna’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the nurses, doctors, and surgeons at the Ottawa Civic Hospital for their excellent medical care and exceptional communication we received. Private services will take place at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave.) followed by inurnment in the National Military Cemetery of Canada. In Lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Boston Terrier Rescue Canada. https://www.bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/
I will find you Donna, no matter how long it takes!
Digital Guestbook
Rob Williams
Kathleen Currie
My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Donna had a big personality and an even bigger heart. She will be missed greatly. ??
Andrea Winsor
I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the great joy of being on QL3s with Donna, so very, very many years ago. Some people are so vibrant and full of life that they make an impression on people. The fact that she lived so fully and had such a large presence that people remember her so fondly after many years says a lot about who she was. I remember her as such a funny, caring, joyful person who made the time spent on early trades training an enjoyable experience. She will be missed by so many. I pray for strength to help you through this difficult time.
Necole Belanger
My deepest condolences to Greg, their sons and Donna's entire family, including her military family. She was an amazing woman who was in fact a trailblazer. I will miss you dearly my friend, especially our "women's group" chats over coffee and breakfast. You always made me laugh. Heaven has a new angel in their mist! May you rest in peace.
Richard Mercier
Capt Greg Smit and family,
I only met Donna this past year, summer of 2019 to summer of 2020 through recruiting. Pls accept my deepest and most sincere condolences for your loss. Even thought I met Donna four times throughout the year, she was instantly an impressive person. Extremely motivated, dedicated and very passionate about her job. Super positive and energetic. Every time I spoke with her, I always thought: Now, this is a good CWO. Even as a stranger to your family, I am still is disbelieve that she is gone. She will surely be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
RIP in Donna.
Lee and Sheryl Bibby
Very sorry to hear about your loss Greg. We wish you strength in the coming months. Donna has accomplished so much in and out of the CAF. For most people it would have taken two lifetimes to experience what Donna had.
Take Care Lee and Sheryl
Cheryl Brisson, Boston Terrier Rescue Canada
Thank you to Donna’s friends and family for your generous donations to Boston Terrier Rescue Canada. May of the donors referenced her love of her Boston O’s. We will be able to offer support and love to many rescue dogs in her honour.
Jay Nelles
Greg and Family. My most sincere condolences. I am at a loss for words against the anguish that you are going through. I know how much Donna has meant to you all. While the shared memories of a time in Gander NL will remain with us forever, my most poignant memory is working with Donna to ensure that Greg's commissioning to the rank of Capt was able to be done in the presence of family.
Again, my most sincere condolences.
André and Joanne Daigle
We are so saddened to hear about Donna passing away, taken way to soon. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Donna, were touched by her boisterous, caring, fun loving personality. She will be missed and remembered by many. RIP Donna
Denis Dubois
Greg and family, this is such a tragedy.
Donna and I served for about eight years together in one spot or another. We talked here and there while she was the Career Mgr. She always had the best interests for the people she was helping. I would often call her up with a "Hey Chick, what ya doin?" just to hear the surprise in the CWO's voice. Good times.
Our at work times were often great and our after work times were often better. Even at the Mess she was giving advice to her Men and Women who needed her leadership. Just the right balance of give them a hug or kick their butt a little.
Greg, Sandra and I pass our sympathies and wish you the best as you work through this time. You and the family were always on Donna's mind. Through the years we often talked about our families, she was very proud of all of you.
The world has lost someone special.
Thought and Prayers to her Family and Friends. I only got to meet you in these recent years here in Ottawa, but as my CWO I certainly admired your honest and courageous shoot from the hip approach. You will be remembered as a true leader, RIP.