In memory of

Donna Davidson

June 25, 2022

Donna Mary Davidson (nee Peters) of Oshawa, Ontario passed away suddenly but peacefully, on June 25, 2022. Born to the late William S. Peters and Geraldine Peters (nee Johnson). Donna was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Alexander Davidson. Survived by her brother William (Bill) Peters and his wife Mary; her sister Carol Himmer of Florida; and brother James Peters (Tammy Cail). Survived by her daughter Sharon Davidson; son Wayne Davidson (Dawn Arnett); her grandchildren, Hilary Davidson (Micheal Fulford); Hailey Davidson-Oliver (Richard Dudley); Troy Davidson (Danielle Tyl); Michael Oliver (Alexandra Oliver); and great-grandma to their daughters Thea and Lennon. Always a sports woman, Donna grew up playing women’s fastball, basketball, roller skated and attended the local dances. Her fitness career started in 1983 at the Oshawa YWCA. To enable women to attend these fitness classes, the YWCA initiated children’s day care programs. During her 38 year career at the YWCA she taught numerous daytime, early morning, noon hour, evening and outreach classes. She mentored and taught the YWCA of Canada Fitness Leader Certification Program to many of the City’s fitness instructors. In 1970 Donna began teaching at the Oshawa Senior Centre - John Street, as well as at the YWCA. To the Centre she brought a variety of fitness classes including chair exercise and weights, always looking for ways to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. In 2000, she started teaching the still popular line dance classes. She was President of the Line Dance Association, hosted and guest-taught at a number of Line Dance Dinner/Dance Fund-raising functions, having raised over $11,000.00 for the OSCC 55+ to purchase fitness equipment. She was always volunteering her classes to perform at City and OSCC events. She also volunteered her time for warmups at various events including the Bereaved Families of Ontario -Durham Region - Walk To Remember. For a number of summers, you would find Donna at the Oshawa Civic Auditorium teaching roller skating including the waltz and tango. As a lover of gardening, Donna was a founding member of the Matsuyama Bonsai Society in 1987. Her garden showcases her trees. She was especially proud of her apple tree which each year blooms and produces an apple or two. Donna was always eager to play cards, bingo, head to the Casino, enjoy a show or sit and read a book in the sun. An avid sports-watcher - baseball, curling, hockey - and when the Toronto Raptors were playing, one knew not to call her and interrupt the game! Donna has been recognized for her career contributions receiving several awards, among the following: 2020-City of Oshawa/OSCC 55+ Senior of the Year. 2017- Medal of Appreciation from Colin Carrie MP.1999-YWCA Cleta Herman Award. 1993-Ontario Corps D’Elite Regional Award - Ministry of Tourism & Recreation - Voluntary Contribution of Recreation. YWCA Women of Distinction Award. Ontario Fitness Council Recognition Award. United Way Leadership Development Award. Her classes provided both her and her participants an opportunity to form friendships that have lasted for decades. Through her commitment to health, fitness and active living, Donna has enhanced many lives. Always with a smile and greeting, she will be sadly missed. A private family funeral was held June 30, 2022. A Celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Thornton Funeral Centre, 1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that a donation be made in Donna’s honor to the Oshawa Senior Community Centres - OSCC 55+, Bereaved Families of Ontario Durham Region, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Guestbook 

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Walter & Diane Raemisch (Bonsai Club members/friends)

Entered July 2, 2022 from London

So sad to hear this news. We offer our deepest sympathies to her family.

A classy lady and welcoming mentor who shared her expertise and her garden with us many times. We are happy to have known her.

Jene and Bill Bean (Friends)

Entered July 3, 2022 from Ocala, Florida

Donna and Alex were friends for many years. We met through her sister, Carol Himmer, who is our dear friend in Daytona Beach. Each year when Donna and Alex came to Florida, we would reconnect and enjoy one another’s company. She had an unusually open and candid and pleasant outlook on life, and always interested in the persons she was with, seldom talking about herself. Both Donna and Alex and Bill and Jene were married on the same day, and she never forgot it.
We’ll never forget her and may she now be in Heaven to reap her rewards for her outstanding life of stewardship to society and to her dear family.

Tom and Wendy Hendricks (Bonsai friend)

Entered July 4, 2022 from Twillingate Newfoundland

What a shock. We moved to Twillingate three years ago. Always enjoyed visits to See Donna’s trees. Her back yard was a Mecca for bonsai enthusiasts. Rest in peace

Mary Cole (Friend and admirer)

Entered July 5, 2022 from Oshawa

What a shock to read of Donna's passing. She was always so full of life that it is unbelievable that she is gone so quickly. I am so sorry. I took classes with her many year ago and Alex taught my husband and me how to Scuba Dive. What fun times those were! Please accept my sincere condolences.

Jean Wilson (Pupil and friend)

Entered July 5, 2022 from Oshawa

Great memories of Donna line dancing some gambling some card playing. Always lots of fun ❤️

Photos 

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