Obituary of Donna Fay SCHUMM

August 12, 1943 – Edmonton, Alberta
February 1, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Donna Fay Schumm, beloved mother, wife and friend, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the age of 76 years.

Born in Edmonton, Donna spent her early years in Mountain Park, Beverly, Edmonton, and Vancouver, and graduated from Alberta Business College in 1960 at which time she began work as a secretary.  Early in their marriage, Donna and Herb moved to Calgary, eventually settling in Lake Bonavista, where they raised their family surrounded by good people who became lifelong friends, enjoying BBQs, card games and the lake together.

Donna stayed home with her children until Herb’s death, when she went to work with the Calgary Board of Education in order to have time with her children after school and during holidays. Eventually Donna moved to her condo in McKenzie Towne and joined the seasonal staff at Chinook College, where she had more fun with colleagues than should be legal.

A priority for Donna was to make the time to support her family and friends in all of their endeavours, whether it was cheering at soccer or basketball games, letting the entire football team squeeze her bun for good luck, or just being there to share in the good or hard times with loved ones. 

Donna was a creative and talented artist. She showcased her skills with her oil paintings, years of professional cake decorating, her coveted Christmas crafts and wreaths, and her beautiful garden in Bonavista as well as her arranged planters at her condo.

Always a playful spirit, Donna loved creating mischief with friends and family; her specialty was finding “mildly inappropriate” presents and decorations for those having milestone birthdays. Donna also cherished her quiet time, such as time spent with her girls, Hayley and Chloe, or sitting down to read a good book with a mug of tea.

Donna’s favourite quote was from Invictus:
“I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.”

“Good Donna” will be forever remembered for her love, friendship, and the playful glint in her eye when she was up to mischief. 

Donna is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Gavin Schumm and Kim Brown of Calgary; daughter and son-in-law, Nicole Schumm and Ted Bowen of Calgary; and her three grandsons, Max, Sam, and Nate Bowen.  She is also survived by her three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Lynn and Guillermo Perez, Judy and Denis Ringuette, and Mary Kabarchuk; as well as her grandpets, Pooch and Rocky. 

Donna was predeceased by her loving husband Herb Schumm; her mother, Anne Watson; her father, Pete Kabarchuk; brother, Ed Kabarchuk; and her cherished pets, Chloe, Hailey, and Brinks.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the MEOW Foundation, PO Box 65024, RPO North Hill, Calgary, AB, T2N 4T6, https://www.meowfoundation.com/. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Donna’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Donna Schumm, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3,   Telephone: 403-241-0044.