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
Carrie
Donna Forward and family
My deepest condolences to Greg, Kyle, Joe, Mandy, Braydon, Curtis and Ajia and all Donna's family and friends. My heart goes out to you all at this sad and difficult time. God be with you all.
Selena Creswell
Donna we spent Countless hours together while I tattooed some of my best work. I was so blessed to have the opportunity to get to know you on a more personal level, You may not of known it but you definitely are an inspiration to a lot of us women out there, your strength perseverance and beauty was something to look up to and try to strive to be. You made being a strong Independent woman look at effortless. I will miss our chats very much. I want you to know that ever since I first met you I always look at my funny suntan on the top of my hands from my riding gloves that i wear in the summer months and think of you and smile . You will be missed, never forgotten and always loved.
Sylvie Latulippe
Toutes mes plus sincères condoléances à sa famille, et amis .
Respect !
Dennis and Daisy Brown Gander NL
Bud and Louise and family .Saddened to hear of Donna's passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time .Hugs
Marc Corriveau
My condolences to all of Donna’s loved ones and friends. Thoughts and prayers are with each of you during these difficult times. Donna will be missed but never forgotten.
Hank and Tanya Etheridge
Very sad to hear of Donna’s passing. As we followed the daily updates, we were certain Donnas fitness and tenacity would overcome any physical injury she incurred. It was shocking to read the update that indicated she would not be going home. The CAF has lost a great Chief, our thoughts and condolences are with Greg and family.
Harold and Peggy Sceviour
To Donna's family:
Our sincere condolences on Donna's passing. You have all been in our thoughts since we first heard the news. We can only imagine the grief you are experiencing. Hope your good memories of her will be comforting in the days ahead. Hugs to you all.
Connor Flynn
Chief, I will miss you incredibly. Working with you was an absolute pleasure - the insight and guidance you provided me I will carry with me the rest of my life and career. Good luck on your next journey.
Bob Hurley
Sincere condolences to her family.
Greg & Family;
I had met Donna through a friend in early 2017. My husband had died in a snowmobile accident in March 2016. He too was an avid motorcycle rider and I had contemplated getting my license to start riding his bike. I met with Donna a few times for drinks and she supported me in getting my license. I shared my hesitation with her; the bike is too big & heavy, that I am now an only parent to 2 young children and the dangers of riding. Donna assured me that her bike was heavier than mine, that she was smaller than me and could handle her own bike and that she would teach me how to drop and pick up the bike. I admired her strength, support and was grateful for making a friend. The news of her leaving, has come with very heavy sadness and is incredibly unfair. I wish you peace & much support in the days ahead.
"Thank you Donna; I hope your glass is always full, the road ahead is grand and your bike never runs out of gas"