Obituary of Donna Lynn Denommee

January 24, 1952 – Calgary, Alberta

August 30, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Donna Lynn Denommee (nee Shelle) was a caring mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend. She left this world on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, in the arms of her children and sister after a courageous battle with cancer.

Donna was born on January 24, 1952, to Robert (James) and Lois Shelle. A dedicated educator to her dolls during her childhood, Donna went on to complete her Bachelor of Education at the University of Calgary. Donna touched the lives of many students over her 30-plus years of teaching Grades 1 and 2 with the Calgary Board of Education.

Donna’s greatest love was her family and friends. She was especially proud of her children and was a doting grandmother. Donna is lovingly remembered by her two children Brent (Shannon) Johnston and Kari (Shane) Rompfer; grandchildren Jordyn, Lucas and Zachary Rompfer, and Maggie and Alison Johnston; sister Marilee Jasper, brother Joe (Kendra) Shelle, as well as nieces and nephews Christine (Stuart) Gannon, Matthew (Toni) Jasper, and Mikhaila and Emily Shelle; and by her great-nieces and great-nephew Taya and Madyson Gannon, and Colt Jasper. Donna was predeceased by both of her parents, brother-in-law Gordon Jasper, and her beloved canine companion, Gracie.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Donna. Phone calls and lunches with friends, Sunday dinners with family, eating smokies around a campfire, baking with her grandchildren, and going to the theatre were some of her favourites. Donna also enjoyed traveling with her sister and close friends, exploring such countries as Egypt, Italy, France, and England. Additional travel was undertaken through cruising, with her favourite trip making ports of call in the Mediterranean.

Donna had a strong faith attending Hillhurst United Church over the past 20 years. She sang in the choir for many years, lending her voice to many of her favourite hymns. She was also a member of many committees supporting social change for those less fortunate. As part of the pastoral relations team, Donna began the church’s prayer chain ministry. Many people have also received prayer shawls lovingly knitted by Donna.

Donna’s family is extremely grateful to the compassionate staff at the Agapé Manor Hospice who provided exceptional care.

A Celebration of Donna’s Life will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, starting at 11:00 a.m. at Hillhurst United Church (1227 Kensington Close NW, Calgary AB) with a reception to follow at the church. 

If friends so desire, the family requests that memorial tributes be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca, or to the Agapé Hospice, 1302 - 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 Telephone: (403) 282-6588.

“In the end, these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go?”

- Gautama Buddha

In living memory of Donna Denommee, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.