Donalda Jean McDonell

Donalda Jean McDonell was born on June 13, 1936, in Russell, MB to George and Marian Stewart.  She was the oldest of 3 daughters.  Mom passed away peacefully at the Langenburg Centennial Special Care home on December 12, 2025, surrounded by her family.

As Mom’s dad was a station agent, their family moved around a lot from town to town but eventually settled in Spy Hill.  On July 14, 1954, Mom married the love of her life Martin McDonell in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Langenburg, they were married for almost 57 years until Martin’s passing on June 12, 2011.  They were blessed with 8 children.

Mom was always very busy running with her 8 children and being a dedicated homemaker. She enjoyed catering with Lorraine Yont for many years, spent     countless hours volunteering in the church and community, and did it all in stride and always  with a smile.

Dad’s grain buying career took them to a few locations and in 1959, Mom and Dad moved back to Langenburg where he took over buying grain until 1975.  Meanwhile they bought the Nester Johnson farm one mile south of Langenburg and farmed there until 1995 when they retired from farming.  They moved into town in 2003.

Mom enjoyed life to the fullest.  She was a very supportive grandmother who didn’t miss an activity that her grandchildren were involved in.  Their favorite summer destination was Pyotts.  They also enjoyed many trips with close friends and family to several different locations.

They spent countless hours enjoying sing songs with friends, hosted many fireman BBQs and family gatherings at the farm where precious memories were made.  Moms biggest attribute was bringing family together, spending time visiting and making sure everyone was well fed.

We love you and miss you very much.

Mom was predeceased by husband; Martin (2011), son; Daryl (2022), mother;   Marion (1983), father; George (1960) and numerous family in-laws.  Mom is  survived by daughter; Shelley (Doug) Buchberger, their children, Joel (Allison), Amber, Josh (Candace), son; Dwayne (Debbie), their children, Taylor (Caylyn), Logan (Lynelle), daughter-in-law Cindy; children Mandi (Dane), Rylan, son; Randy (Dawn), their children Tommy (Shawna), Madison (Josh), Jackson (Amber), John, son; Kevin (JoAnn), their children Tyrell (Makayla), Janell (Ryan), daughter; Karen (Warren) Schappert, their children Aubrey (Tyrel), Braden (Tayler), son; Troy, daughter; Marni (Rae) Carlson, Nickolas (Presley), Parker (Sam), and 19 great grandchildren, sisters Carolyn Dobko, Bev (Stan) Aberhart and numerous nieces and nephews