It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved wife, mother, Oma, Aunt and friend Donna Engelbert.

Donna Elaine Engelbert (nee Allen) resident of Grande Prairie and former longtime resident of Bezanson passed away on Thursday, April 24th, 2025 at the Mazankowski Heart Institute in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 75 years.

Donna was born on December 20, 1949 to parents Dorothy and Cecil Allen. She was the much younger sister to her only sibling Kay. She grew up in Bezanson and went to the local school. She moved to town to attend the Grande Prairie Vocational High School when she was 16.

Donna was raised on the family farm, and this started her lifelong love for animals, all animals! She loved her cats and dogs and was never without a furry companion. She also loved all of her farm animals. She was never afraid to take on the care of animals big and small.

She met John on a blind date and that was the start of a 56 year long loving marriage. Her commitment to John was evident as she became his rock when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She spent the last 23 years caring and supporting him every day. Donna and John lived in Bezanson for more than 40 years. During that time, John worked at Weyerhauser and did a side job of farming grain, hay and all kinds of animals, including cows, chickens, turkeys, sheep, horses, pigs, rabbits, goats and bison. In 1976, they were blessed with their son Scott. Three years later they welcomed Crystal. In Bezanson, they became valued community members. They had many wonderful friendships that lasted their lifetime, and they appreciated all of the qualities these friends shared.

Donna was a stay-at-home mom when the kids were small, but her caring personality led to a long career as a health care aide. Donna was kind, generous, and a loving caregiver to all of her clients over the years. She also met many friends that were her coworkers. When her grandchildren came along, she was often found spending as much time as possible with them. She loved being a mom and loved being an Oma to Brooke, Carter, Claire, and Chelsea even more. She would attend every school function, swim meet, piano and guitar recitals, and was most recently a regular at the hockey rink. She was quick to volunteer to take the kids to the climbing wall or the bowling alley and anywhere the kids wanted to go for a treat.

After 40 years in Bezanson, Donna and John found a lovely home in Grande Prairie. Dad was able to live with mom until he transitioned to his permanent residence at Prairie Lakes. Donna spent every day with John and planned her time around her visits with him. John will miss her daily visits immensely. Mom found comfort in her lovely neighbours, who watched Snoopy each day while she went to visit John. Her family is beyond grateful for the many friendships that Donna had over the years. She loved to go for coffee, lunch, and the occasional supper date with family and friends.

Donna is survived by loving husband John, her children Scott (Erin), Crystal (Lee) Rycroft. Grandchildren; Brooke (Antonio), Carter, Claire and Chelsea. She is also survived by her niece, Nancy (Jim) Cruise, nephews, Allan McRae, and Terry McRae, her niece Michelle (Mark) Schmidt, Yvonne (Kevin) Pearson, Leah Engelbert (Michael) her nephews Dean Fritsma, Matt (Jaime) Engelbert, her sister in law, Liz (Gerry) Fritsma, brothers in law Joe (Miep) Engelbert, and Henry (Mary) Engelbert and many other close family and friends, who were so dear to her heart.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, Dorothy and Cecil Allen, her in-laws, John and Elisabeth Engelbert, and her sister Kay McRae, her brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Jeanette Engelbert, and nephews Ron, Roger, Watson and Charlie Engelbert.

Donna’s kind and gentle soul has left a huge hole in our hearts, and she will be sorely missed by all those that loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bezanson Memorial Hall (Knelson Centre) on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 2:00pm with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made in Donna’s name to Bandage Paws Animal Rescue Association

bandagedpaws.org/ways-to-help