It is with sad, heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of our mother, sister, and friend, Donna Jean Heatley-Stokes. Donna left this earth peacefully on October 10th, 2026 at the age of 67, with her daughter Samantha and her long-time friend Cindy at her side at Fairfield Park Nursing Home.
Donna was born on October 22nd, 1958 in Wallaceburg, Ontario. Growing up in a small town, you would often find her out with friends. Whether it was riding her 10 speed bike with Cindy (particularly in the cemetery), swimming in the pool, or partying and dancing at the watering holes on Wallace Street, Donna always had a good time. She moved and travelled to various places in her life, including Nova Scotia, Alberta, and London, Ontario, before settling back in Wallaceburg with her son Mathew. She met her husband Gene in Sarnia, and they had a daughter Samantha. They then were married and lived
together in Wallaceburg. A woman of many skills, Donna worked various jobs such as at a printing press, factories, a long-term care facility, and just before retirement, at Walmart where so many people came to know and love her. She loved music, particularly Cher, and attended many dances with her girlfriends. Donna also volunteered at various organizations, such as Re:Find, and her favourite: The Wallaceburg Museum Haunted House every October. In her retirement years she enjoyed going to the seniors centre for fitness classes, the Wallaceburg pool, hikes and brunches with her girlfriends, and of course spending time with her children. Donna took immense pride in her children; they were the lights of her life. If you asked anyone, they would tell you how proud Donna was of her son and daughter. In December of 2025, life had a different plan for Donna. Her friends and family noticed some concerning changes in her health and wellbeing. After many doctors appointments, Donna’s condition continued to quickly decline. She was admitted to the hospital, and later to Fairfield Park Nursing Home. She was ultimately diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia with primary progressive aphasia. From being able to drive and live alone in December, to an inability to walk and speak by July, her journey was a heartbreaking reminder of how cruel dementia truly is. Her decline was so rapid that her family could barely comprehend the changes, watching helplessly as the disease took away so much of the woman they knew and loved. With both the heart of a daughter and the knowledge of a Registered Nurse, Samantha worked tirelessly to advocate for her care, ensuring she was treated with the dignity, respect, and compassion she deserved.
Donna is predeceased by her parents, Jack and Margaret Heatley (née Mahood), her brother Gordon, and her former husband Gene Stokes. She leaves behind her children Mathew Heatley-Adams, and Samantha Turkington (née Stokes) (Jason), her brothers Frank (Lynn) Heatley and Samuel Heatley, her niece and nephews, as well as her inherited grandchildren Clayton and Sadie Cofell. Also, her amazing group of girlfriends from all walks of life, who stayed devoted at mom’s side until the very end. And of course, her fur babies, Gracie, Bella, and Daisy.
Donna lived a beautiful, colourful life. She was a strong woman, who encountered many obstacles, but who you would never see struggle. She was stubborn, strong, goofy, and loved a good bargain. She would be there for you the moment you needed her, and was treasured by so many. Donna was not her “diagnosis”, and our family’s journey with dementia brought us closer together – for that we are grateful.
There are so many people to thank who helped our family during this difficult time: Dr. Workman (family physician), Dr. Arthur (ER doctor), the Wallaceburg Medicine nurses, the Chatham 4th floor Continuing Care nurses (particularly Natasha, Vanessa, Ashley, and Kim), and the staff at Fairfield Park (particularly Amy, both Kellys, Steve, Paige, Maryellen, Maddie, and all the PSWs involved in her care). Your dedication to your work and Donna never went unnoticed, and we are SO grateful that she was always treated like a member of the family. We will be forever thankful.
Following cremation, Donna will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery in Wallaceburg during a private family graveside service. Family and friends are invited to come Celebrate Her Life on October 22nd, 2026 (Donna’s birthday) at 11am, at the Cavanagh Reception Center, 416 Nelson St., Wallaceburg, for those who wish to come and share their memories and celebrate a life well lived. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent, or to your local animal shelter. Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca.
