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
Frank Larabie
Marc Fortin, M.B., C.D.
Rest in peace Ma'am!
Only a few CWOs made an impact in my career, your will remain a standard to maintain.
P.S. my beret was never again in my pocket.
CPO1 Marion Pivin
I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. My condolences.
Virginia Tattersall
To Greg and All of Donna's Family and Friends
May comfort be yours knowing what a profound impact Donna had both professionally and personally on so many, myself included. I am honoured that I had the pleasure to serve with her as my command team partner but even more blessed that I could call her friend. She will never be forgotten but live on in those she loved and cared for, the many she rescued and those she mentored, motivated and challenged to be a better service member, friend, human. She will ride with you always!
Fieldfair Way neighbors
Our most sincere condolences. Although we didn’t know Donna, we often saw her as we live on the same street. She’d wave to us as she drove by or say a quick hello as she grabbed mail.
Daniel Vermeersch
On behalf of the Individual Training and Education directorate in Kingston, I would like to express our sincere sorrow and condolences for the loss of Chief Warrant Officer Donna Smit. During her time as the Military Personnel Generation Group Formation Chief Warrant Officer, Donna shone in the role - fulfilling her duties with spunk, humour, empathy, and charisma. May all of the fond memories comfort family and friends as we mourn the loss of an outstanding and caring lady - who consistently demonstrated grace and an indomitable spirit. Donna's leadership and vibrant personality will be sorely missed.
André Bergeron
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to you Greg and your families on behalf of Sgt André Bergeron, course 38.
RESCUE !!
Cindy and Darren Little
Donna was an amazing friend, an experienced rider, she liked to have fun, she was respected by both my husband and I. We enjoyed a long ride together as couples to Laconia on our bikes, spent a few bday celebrations together, celebrated a New Years Eve dancing it up at the Crazy Horse Saloon. We were business partners for a short term and understood how important nutrition and exercise were to our daily living. Donna was strong, fit, and cared enough about others to share her knowledge. Donna was thoughtful about people and she was a kind person. She told me a story of her buying coffee for homeless people when she would visit Tim Hortons daily. That was the kind of person Donna was. Furthermore, she was a woman of her word. I remember the strength she had in riding back from Kingston with our husbands on our motorcycles with a full blown migraine. I was worried about her but she had grit. She drove that 2 hours flawlessly and without complaint. Donna was a committed person in her daily life and her career. She served more years than she needed to the Forces. She was going to follow through with her commitment to her latest position in the CF. She was a proud serving member and I was proud of her for making it to the top rank of non commissioned officers. I am happy to have had the chance to know her over the last few years of her life. I will remember and cherish all the fun times we had. Donna rest in peace my friend. Greg please stay in touch you have a place in our hearts. To all the family members and friends I send warmth and hugs to you all as we navigate this together.
Molly Brockerville-Wall
I had the honor of meeting Donna in Gander. She was a sincere, kind , funny vibrant woman who loved her family immensely.
I was having a baby at the time we met and she and her dad made a chest for a gift for my daughter.
We still have it and treasure it.
Her thoughtfulness was beyond words.
Most honest woman I ever met.
Will always remember You Donna.
Fly with the angels beautiful lady.
Gone to soon.
To all of Donnas family,
may you find peace in the wonderful life you have lived filled will precious memories.
Martin Rousseau
Dear family and friends. Most sincere condolences for the terrible loss of Donna, who left us too soon. Wherever she was, went, gone, she left no one indifferent with her wit, smile and spunk. A genuine, honest, caring soul; she will be remembered for her determination, will to do the right thing and genuine Newfoundland spirit!
Donna may you ride peacefully looking after those who loved you the most…
Hoping the insurmountable love of many you leave behind gives your soul the freedom to ride on and on and on Donna. Y heartfelt condolences to all.
Bon repos Donna.