It is with great sadness that we announce that Donna died at home, surrounded by family, on June 23, 2022, aged 75, from pancreatic cancer. She was predeceased by her father, William Nixon, and her mother, Louise Nixon (Whitehead). She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Chris Carruthers, her daughter Lisanne Brousseau (Paul Brousseau), daughter Allison and son Kenneth, as well as seven grandchildren: (in Ottawa) Abby, Julie and Merielle, (in North Vancouver) Olivia, Chloe, Cassandra and Harrison. She is also survived by her brother, Ted Nixon (Diane).
Donna was born and raised in Toronto. She graduated from Havergal College and the University of Toronto as a physiotherapist. After meeting Chris during his internship in Toronto, Donna moved with Chris to Ottawa. She supported Chris and raised the family during his years as a busy orthopedic surgeon. Donna and Chris had an active life, both in Ottawa and at their chalet in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. Donna enjoyed creating crafts that are a highlight in many homes today. During the last 10 years, she enjoyed playing golf with her friends at the Hunt Club.
Her children fondly remember her caring, nurturing and thoughtful manner as they grew up. From family traditions to dinners and vacations, Donna always thought of family. We have many special memories from these times.
Grammie, as she was affectionally known by her grandchildren, adored spending time with them. Whether it was in Ottawa or Vancouver, she would spend many a weekend cheering, encouraging and supporting them in their activity of choice — swimming, dance, soccer, baseball and many others. When all the family was together, there was often a spontaneous kitchen dance party, and Grammie was always in the middle of it all, laughing and dancing away with her grandchildren.
Chris and Donna shared an equal love for travelling. Together, they embarked on countless trips with friends and family that would see them visit six of the seven continents. Donna’s most cherished family trips where those to Walt Disney World.
The family would like to recognize and extend our appreciation to Dr. Christine Whetter, who provided Donna with excellent care and steadfast compassion throughout her treatment.
A private interment will be held at Beechwood for immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Donna believed strongly in the importance of youth education and was a passionate supporter of “Help Our Students Program”.
Donations to this cause can be made at: www.helpourstudentsprogram.com
Livre de visiteurs
Linda & Jim Corkal
Barry McLoughlin
My deepest condolences to Chris, your children and grandchildren on the passing of Donna. How sad we all are at your loss, but how blessed our community was to have benefited from her kind heart and support to all the family’s many endeavours.
Daragh Russell
Chris, Lisanne, Allison, and Kenny, I was so sad to hear this news. I have wonderful memories of the kindness and fun of Donna and of those Ottawa and Tremblant days. Sending condolences and love. May her memory be for a blessing. xox
Louella Eastman /Peter Boffa
Dear Chris and family
We are so sorry for your loss. Donna was a wonderful person to golf and have dinner with. She was so full of life. We also enjoyed some golf group luncheons together and Donna had us all participate in the Shiebox project. Our Tuesday golf group will do it this year in her memory!
Our sincere condolences to Chris and all of Donna’s family. She was one of the nicest people we knew.