Canon Donna Hunter

Canon Donna Claire Hunter (nee Dawson)

1931 - 2018

It is with great sadness that we announce Donna Hunter passed away peacefully on August 31 in Toronto at the age of 87.

Donna was born in Stratford, the daughter of the late Denver Dawson and the late Myrl Smith. She married the love of her life Fred on August 12, 1950 and they enjoyed 64 years of marriage together, dancing the light fantastic wherever and whenever possible, until Fred’s passing in 2014.

Donna also leaves behind her loving children Karen, Stephen (Victoria), Michael, and Susanne (Daniel Johnson); her beloved grandchildren Karen Johnson (Valdemar Anglin), Cheryl Johnson (Floyd Lawrence), Sarah, Zachary, Adam (Lauren), Julia, Heather and Jerome; great grandchildren Arielle, Summer and Leighton; and her cherished sisters Barbara Riley and Mardi Dawson and brother in law and sister in law Bill and Heather Hunter.

Donna’s career had many phases starting with raising four children and then returning to school to earn her Sociology degree in 1977. Her professional life started with YWCA Canada, followed by her role as Executive Director, Women's' Interchurch Council of Canada. Donna’s final position was Director of Resources for Congregations, Anglican Diocese of Toronto, first woman and first non-clergy person to hold this position, until her retirement in 1994. As well, Donna was a Board Member on the International World Day of Prayer Committee.

Throughout her life, Donna demonstrated passion for social justice, especially with regard to women's issues and the Anglican LGBTQ community. In the Anglican church, her faith was framed by constantly questioning dogma. In her career working with Anglican congregations, Donna was a skilled facilitator and mediator. In her own words, “How we act within our own staff and how we relate co-operatively with parishes and then how we act responsibly in the wider society are all central components for me. I believe God loves us and loves the totality of humanity and my actions need to proclaim that.” Donna enjoyed conversations about ideas; a passion she encouraged in her children and grandchildren.

Donna’s family wish to thank staff at Humber River Hospital ICU, Humber Heights Retirement Home and Bayshore private care, for their care and support of Donna.

A celebration of her life will take place at St. Philip’s Anglican Church (31 St. Phillips Road, Etobicoke) on Friday, September 7th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

Family and friends will be welcomed at the Ward Funeral Homes Weston Chapel (2035 Weston Rd, Toronto) on Thursday, September 6th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (https://pwrdf.org), Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (https://wicc.org), or a charity of your choice.

Friends and family can watch live tomorrow morning by going to the following webpage:

https://www.etherelive.com/canonhunter

Additionally, it can be played back afterward for 30 days if someone misses it live.