Wriglesworth,Donna Elaine (nee Gongos)
(December 17th, 2018)
Donna Elaine (nee Gongos) Wriglesworth
On December 8, 2018 Donna Wriglesworth passed away peacefully in Nelson, BC at the age 74 surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Courageous and humble, she was a kind and loving soul who brightened the lives of all those she touched. An amazing mother, grandma, wife, sister and friend, the beauty she found in everyday life made all of our lives richer.
Born on August 24, 1944 in Willingdon, Alberta to parents Elsie and Nick Gongos who were farmers northeast of Edmonton. The second oldest in a family of six kids, Donna was her father’s sidekick on the farm, always helping take care of the daily chores without complaint. When she started school, her father would deliver Donna and older sister Patricia to the bus stop via a team of horses. It is on the farm that her lifelong love of dogs was seeded.
Donna first met future husband Trev just before the end of Grade 12 and after high school graduation moved to Edmonton to attend Alberta College. They were married in Edmonton on May 29, 1965 and started a life full of love. In the late-1970s the family moved to Calgary where Donna started working for Wallace & Carey as the executive assistant to President Frank Carey where she was a foundational support to the company that became a national presence in the 1980s.
Throughout her life, Donna was always in search of adventure while sharing her love for camping and travel with family. Her journeys brought her to many wonderful places including Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Cuba, California, Florida, Arizona and Western Europe. She was an avid sports fan, with a loyal connection to the Calgary Flames and Calgary Stampeders, attending games throughout her life including a few trips to the Grey Cup.
After Trev passed away 2011, Donna moved to Nelson to be close to her daughter Janice, grandkids Kyle and Ashley, and son-in-law Bobby. It was a final chapter of her life that brought daily joy to the small family unit as they traveled together and enjoyed the splendour of mountain life.
Donna is now reunited with her husband and survived by all those who will never forget her enduring positivity, admirable work ethic and friendly nature. Our hearts are broken, but our overflowing appreciation for having Donna in our lives will remain forever.
At Donna’s request, there will be no service at this time. Memorial donations can be directed to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC.
