Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Dear Ryan
I worked with Donna for many years, over 25 I think, but really only got to know her well during the last couple and particularly so during the last year. She spoke of you so often, as well as of her nephew Kyle. She spoke of your love, kindness and consideration towards her. It made me feel warm inside just hearing her speak of you both. When you asked her to move to Gagetown with you so that “you could look after her for a change” she was so touched by the sweetness of your offer.
She was very proud of you Ryan. When you joined the military, she was so excited to show me your graduation picture. She was very lucky to have such a caring son. Meeting your daughter Ellie and getting to know her was a real joy to her.
Donna had a very hard last year, as you know. Myself and some of her other colleagues would meet up for coffee when she was feeling up to it and I was always struck by how positive she always tried to be. She was a kind and thoughtful person. The last time I saw her was the week before you came down last Christmas; I visited her at her apartment. She was busy canning apple topping for you and others and with knitting baby bonnets for new born infants in the Grace. That afternoon, for me, really made me realise what a wonderful person she was. She will be missed.
Evelyn Keirstead
