ForeverMissed
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In typical fashion, Donna Ann Ryder made her sudden and unannounced departure from this world on Tuesday, December 30, 2014, after a long battle with addiction. When she left behind those who loved her, she was age 62 and living in Old Toronto.

Donna was born to the late Edwin Ryder and Emma (Welburn) on April 19, 1952 in Montreal, Quebec. She was the only daughter and third child following her brothers George and Earl. Her parents were first-generation Canadians with all four of her grandparents immigrating to Canada in the late 19th and early 20th century; Charles Frederick Ryder and Jane Esther (Randall) arrived in 1913 from Shoreditch, London, England; John Welburn arrived in 1897 from Yorkshire, England and Margaret Gunn Sutherland in 1901 from Edinburgh, Scotland.

It’s difficult to sum up Donna’s life in a few words. She was beautiful, intelligent, outspoken, kind, sassy, unconventional, hardworking, creative, and somewhat of a hippie; For a time, she preferred her name to be spelt “Dawna” after the beginning of twilight before sunrise.

Donna graduated from Dunton High School in Montreal in 1970, in 1974 married (Daniel Pole), and in 1975 she suffered the loss of her first child, Jenelle Corrinna at just 1 month of age. She then moved to Saint John, New Brunswick where she had two daughters; Larisa and Corrinna. After a short stint in Moncton, the family moved to Fredericton where she had another daughter, Meagan. Donna juggled caring for three young children, working various jobs, including Burger King, and helping her husband attend law school. Once he graduated, Donna studied sociology at the University of New Brunswick in 1989.

In the early 1990s, she relocated to Halton Hills, Ontario with her family. While raising a family and helping her husband with his practice, Donna continued her studies at the University of Toronto. She earned a BA in legal ethics and sociology and graduated valedictorian of her class. After her divorce in 1997/98 and her elder daughters leaving home, Donna served as a legal clerk for several years before returning to school to study social work at Ryerson University.

In Toronto, Donna spent her final years making waves at school, lobbying for disability rights, and spending time in her favourite stomping grounds in vibrant neighbourhoods and locations like the Entertainment District, Church-Wellesley Village (Toronto Gay Village), and St. Lawrence Market.

When she wasn’t challenging her mind, Donna indulged in art, poetry, music (from folk to rock and opera), live theatre, cooking and travel. She had visited places like the Cayman Islands, England, France, and Italy – where she forever left her heart.

During her lifetime Donna was outspoken about human and animal rights. She believed deeply in the value of diversity and equity and was an advocate and ally for many marginalized groups.

She had a very feisty spirit, which was sometimes embarrassing for her daughters but she liked doing things her way and didn’t care what others thought. In her later years, she got around the city using an electric wheelchair and would go blazing as fast as possible (our apologies to all those who had the misfortune to be in her path!)

Another side of Donna was her struggle with mental health and addiction. Her sparkle, memory, and intelligence were slowly stolen by her illness and addiction to alcohol and prescription medication in her later years. Despite many attempts, her daughters couldn't help her get sober. She felt things deeply and would try to numb her feelings but in the process, she broke the hearts of those who love her. It was alcohol that took her from us forever.

Donna is missed by all those she left behind. She is survived by her loving daughters Larisa Hunter (husband Tim) of Califonia and Corrinna Pole (husband James Sawyer) of Quebec; granddaughters Draven and Astrid; brother George (Elizabeth Curotte); her friend and attendant Frank; many nieces, nephews and the countless friends and lives touched throughout her life. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Emma Ryder, and firstborn daughter Janelle Corrinna.

A private funeral was held on January 2, 2015, at Blue Springs Funeral Home, Acton, Ontario, followed by cremation. 

If Donna touched your life or her memory visits your mind, the family hopes you will keep her spirit alive by donating to or volunteering for one of the causes she held dear.

Donna’s last voicemail is her fitting signature: 

“I hope you have a great day, a great life, peace out. Goodbye!”

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