Donna McIlwain
1938 – 2026
It is with deep sadness the family of Donna Siddie Mcilwain announces her passing on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Shewas born Dec 4, 1938 on the family farm NW of Cochrane Alberta in the Grand Valley area. She was the third daughter born to Donald and Helen Patterson in 3 years. Her two older sisters, Barbara and Joan and six years later brother Gordon completed the family. She developed her strong work ethic on the farm where she milked cows by hand and helped wherever she could. She saw a lot of changes in her lifetime from riding to school on horseback with her sisters to using a computer and loving to create customized birthday/anniversary/congratulation/get well cards for family and friends. In 1961 Donna married Emerald William (Bill) Mcilwain. They lived in Calgary and had two children, Donald (1962) and Debbie (1964). Donna raised her kids, coached girls softball teams and worked for Canada Safeway for about 15 years. After 27 years in Calgary and Langdon they achieved their dream and bought their farm in the Eagle Hill/Garrington area in the late 1980’s. She had her horse of many years (Pharaoh) who she loved to ride, a large vegetable garden, numerous flower beds and a strong dislike for weeds. Around age 60 she took up curling and played into her early 80’s and really enjoyed the game and people. Donna cared deeply for and was extremely loyal to her family and friends. A hard worker who loved rural life and community. She had a strong, deep faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She will be lovingly remembered by her son Don (Joy) Mcilwain and daughter Debbie (Kenton) Hubschmid. Her six grandchildren Danielle (Steve) Bosse, Jordan (Jenn) Mcilwain, Jessica (Logan) Vanderham, Dalene (Morgan) Aris, Clayton (Whitney) Hubschmid, Thomas (Tania) Hubschmid. As well as 13 great grandchildren. Easton, Chase and Kohen Bosse; Korban, Lincoln and Nolan Mcilwain; Mckenzie, Kaycee and Brooks Vanderham; Charlotte (Charlie) and Tenley Hubschmid and Brynlee and Kaiser Aris. She was predeceased by her husband Bill in 2010, her parents Donald and Helen Patterson as well as her siblings Barb (Jim) Postlethwaite, Joan (Paul) Shock and Gord Patterson; brother in law Harold Mcilwain and sister in law Judy Sproule. Also survived by brothers and sisters in laws Jim and Gay Mcilwain, Shirley Mcilwain, Kathy Patterson, John Sproule and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at the Eagle Hill Community Hall on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, 8602 – 112 Street, NW Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1 or the Garrington Community Church. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2026-05-17
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Innisfail) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.227.0006