Donna Lynne Hay

It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Donna Lynne Hay on July 5, 2025, at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Donna was born on June 28, 1952, in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, to Don and Gwen George. She spent her first 18 years in Rosetown, where in 1969 she met the love of her life, Fraser Hay, who had come to town working as a disc jockey for the local radio station. He swept Donna off her feet and away to Manitoba, where they built a life together before eventually returning to Saskatchewan.

Donna was a lifelong caregiver, dedicating her career to supporting others with kindness and compassion. In the 1970s, while living in Manitoba, she worked as a care aide at the Manitoba School in Portage la Prairie, later joining the Children’s Aid Society of Western Manitoba in Brandon. From there she went on to work at the International Nursing Home, also in Brandon. After moving to Martensville in 1986, Donna became a valued Special Care Aide at Sherbrooke Community Centre, where she worked from 1987 until 2011. She then spent the final years of her career at Saskatoon City Hospital, retiring in 2015. Her calm presence and deep compassion left a lasting impact on the many lives she touched throughout her working years.

Donna had an incredibly strong work ethic and never shied away from doing what needed to be done. Whether it was in her career or at home, she gave everything she had—and more. She devoted herself fully to her family, always putting their needs ahead of her own. Her love was steady, unconditional, and the foundation on which so many lives were built.

Donna’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of nearly 55 years, Fraser Hay; her children, Trevor Hay (Lisa Unger), Shauna (Chris) Sousa, and Kimberley Hay; her grandchildren, Ceilidh Hay (Richard Barrett), Keenan Benitez-Hay, Keredyn Hay, and Silvana (Arnie) Thorstensen; and her great-granddaughter, Lily Thorstensen.

She is also survived by her brothers Alan (Carol) George and Murray (Karen) George; sister-in-law Dee George; sisters-in-law Edith Habke and Norma (Barrie) Radford; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, Don and Gwen George; brother, Dennis George; mother-in-law, Grace Hay and several extended family members.

In her final days, Donna was surrounded by love. She was able to celebrate her 73rd birthday with her family just a week before her passing—an occasion filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories.

She found happiness in the simple things—gardening, reading, quiet drives with Fraser, and sharing life’s moments with her family. Her loyal dog Willow was a constant companion and source of comfort in her later years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cherished Memories in Martensville, SK on Sunday, July 13th at 3:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna’s memory to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital, Sherbrooke Community Centre, or the Lung Association of Canada.

Donna’s warmth, strength, and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of all who knew and cherished her.

We invite you to join the family in honouring and celebrating Donna’s life. You’ll find the livestream link below.

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=8399c015-0a1b-44b2-91d3-2df95e18b97e