Donna Mae Torvik, of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, left this earth to begin her spiritual journey on Friday, July 21, 2023 at the age of 79 years. She was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Margaret and Clifford Torvik, and she was the younger sibling to her dear sister, Audree.

Mom was a very proud mother to Larry, Tim, Tracy, and Tara. Her children, and their children were the light of her life. Mom raised all of us to be strong-willed and independent, but yet loving and caring people. She was known as “Grandma Angel” to her thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren, and her face would light up to talk about them or hear from them. To us kids, Mom was our constant supporter and our biggest cheerleader. She always believed in us and thought we could do anything in life. She never wanted us to “settle” with our achievements or happiness; she always thought there were more things we could accomplish. She had faith in us, and she was always present in our lives.

Aside from being an incredible mother, Mom had an insatiable ability to make friends wherever she went. She had lifelong friends, and she had friends she met last month. She made them feel special as she genuinely cared for them. She was simply a woman that everyone loved. This was evident in the days leading up to and following her death with so many people thanking us for sharing Mom with them.

Mom worked as an Officer with the Correctional Service of Canada for twenty-eight years, retiring in 2004. Despite her small frame, she could stand up to any task and any person she encountered. She always said that if you treat people with kindness and respect, you could expect it back. Many people over the years have told us she ran with an iron fist, yet she always held respect.

Mom will be greatly missed. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Larry (Donalee), Tim (Nicole), Tracy, and Tara (Sherry), her grandchildren: Dustin, Cole, Cody, Cameron, Adam, Tyler, Jakson, Trysten, Mackenzie, Carter, Austin, Matthew, Sarah, Thomas, Shawna and her great grandchildren: Emma, Ellie, Hayden, Finn, Cohen, Reid, Jett, Bowie, Brooks, Vaughn, and Emmett. Mom will also be sadly missed by Audree’s family (Andy, Cyndi, Terri, and Debbie), who she viewed as her very own.

Mom was old-school. She had unwavering values and integrity. She lived by the Thumper and Golden Rules. She did not enjoy having the spotlight and she did not want a Celebration of Life in her honour. She would have loved, instead of a service, you “pay-it-forward” and perform a random act of kindness to someone who needs it.

Our family would like to thank the staff of the Red Deer Hospital Palliative Care Unit and, especially, the Red Deer Hospice for their professional and compassionate care during Mom’s illness. It will never be forgotten.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2023-08-01
• Location : www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com