Dorothy (Donna) Gertrude Taggart
(nee Sainsbury)
Born July 2, 1920, our dear mum passed away on the morning of
December the 5th, 2012 following serious complications from a fall.
Mum was predeceased by her parents, Matthew Sainsbury (1928), her mother Eva (1993), her three sisters, Joan (1970), Rita (2010), Eileen (2011) and her husband
Robert (Bob) in 1963.
Donna grew up in Revelstoke, BC where she excelled at being an outdoors girl. She loved swimming, running and climbing, and became the man of the house following the death of her father in an accident on the CPR in 1928. She never tired of returning to Revelstoke, taking in the wonderful view of Mount Begbie and cruising down Mackenzie Avenue. On our last visit we were invited into the original family home on 8th Street and were able to step back in time for a short while, a real treat.
The family moved to London in 1935 where Donna finished her schooling and began her working career first at Bennett and Fountain Electrical and then as a clerk in the British War Office. Later she enlisted in the Canadian Army. A number of close calls during the bombing of London never left Mum’s memory, and she was always grateful that the entire family survived their time in London. Donna was also happy to have had the opportunity to serve her country.
Returning to Canada in 1945, the family moved to Vancouver where Donna met the love of her life, Bob. They married in 1946 and settled in Kitsilano, where they raised their three children. Mum loved her two sons and daughter and enjoyed every minute of their childhood. Picnics to the beaches of Jericho and Spanish Banks, stopping at Austin’s Doughnuts along the way; the PNE, long walks to Kits Beach, helping the boys with their early morning paper routes and encouraging her daughter to dance. Mum was the best.
It is fortunate Mum’s final working position was at the Registrar’s Office at the University of British Columbia. She was there only a short time when widowed, and had the responsibility to finish raising her children on her own. Mum worked hard to always provide a warm and loving home where our friends were always welcome.
She retired in 1984 after twenty-two years at UBC and very much enjoyed her leisure time, taking part in many activities. Mum always had the most wonderful sense of humor and liked nothing more that to sit at the fireplace with a glass of wine and enjoy the conversation. She was a wonderful cook and baker whose pot roasts and mince tarts were known to be some of the best, primarily due to a generous dram of Grand Mariner. She had a great love of books and a special passion for animals; from her Irish Wolf Hound, Lobo, in Revelstoke, to her tabby, Sage in Qualicum. They all received exceptional, loving care.
The final move to Qualicum Beach came in 1995. She loved being near the beach and lived once again in a small community of friendly people. Due to health issues Mum moved into Eagle Park one year ago. She made a number of friends there and most importantly gained the love and admiration of her caregivers.
We want to extend our deepest appreciation to the staff at Eagle Park who provided a loving, caring home for Mum in her time of greatest need. Mum leaves her three children Bob, Bruce (Ginny), Jan (Harry), her two grandchildren, Andrew (Chloe) and Kirsten, and three great granddaughters, Ocean, Leeluu and Simone, as well as many extended family members.
Thanks to everyone for their kind words and touching memories of Mum.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held in the Spring. Forever in our Hearts.