Obituaries

Donna Jane Barry passed peacefully into Heaven on Thursday, January 8, at the age of 74, surrounded by love. She leaves behind a life defined by kindness, creativity, humility, and a tireless devotion to family and community. The world is gentler and brighter for having had her in it. Donna was born in Toronto, Ontario, to her parents, Hector Tomlinson and Rosetta Tomlinson. She grew up alongside her older siblings, Lorne Tomlinson and Diane James, forming close family bonds that shaped her generous and compassionate spirit. As a child, Donna was lively, imaginative, and full of joy. She loved playing with friends, creating stories, and losing herself in make-believe. As she grew, she channeled that energy into competitive majorettes and developed a lifelong appreciation for art, creativity, and design. Many friendships formed in her childhood and school years became treasured lifelong relationships, including her dear friends Holly, Liane, Karen, Adair, and her cousin Sue. Donna’s heart found its true home when she began spending summers with her family at Shadow Lake. Her parents followed their dream and built a cottage on Birch Point Road, lovingly constructed by her father, “Tom,” with his own hands. It was here that Donna’s love for family, togetherness, and the simple beauty of lake life took deep root. Unbeknownst to her at the time, another family was building a cottage across the lake. Over those golden summers, Donna met a kind young man named Tim. Alongside a close-knit group of friends, including Ken, Paul, Tim, Sue, and Liz, they shared unforgettable days water skiing, boating, and spending long afternoons hanging out at Elliott Falls. Evenings were filled with laughter, friendship, and the easy joy of being together at the lake. Donna and Tim quickly fell in love. During the school year, Donna and Tim traveled back and forth across Toronto whenever possible to be together, counting the days until summer reunited them at Shadow Lake. They were married in 1971 and began a life together rooted in love, loyalty, and shared purpose. Donna and Tim welcomed their first child, Tommy, affectionately nicknamed “Surfer Joe” for his bright blond hair. Donna could not have been more proud. Three years later, their family was complete with the arrival of their daughter, Bethany, their beautiful baby girl. Shadow Lake remained the emotional center of Donna’s life as the family took over “Tuckaway,” the cherished cottage passed down from Tim’s grandparents. The lake shaped the rhythm of their lives. Summers were filled with Sunday swims out to the logs, long boat rides, regattas, and lively parties that brought everyone together. Winters brought skating on Shadow Lake after snowmobile rides across the frozen water, traditions that created generations of memories and deepened lifelong bonds. Donna and Tim have a cherished group of friends, affectionately named the Crazy Eights from Whitby. Liane & Ken, Bob & Marleen, and Chris & Joanne. (Rest in peace Sharon) Donna’s professional life reflected her rare ability to bring people together. From 1999 to 2001, she ran the day-to-day operations of Lindsay’s Special Events Office, supporting committees of Council with energy, integrity, and humility. She spearheaded projects including the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and played a leading role in Light Up Lindsay on New Year’s Eve at the turn of the millennium. Donna had an unmatched gift for attracting volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and performers, and she treated everyone involved with genuine appreciation and respect. From 2002 onward, Donna dedicated herself to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation, where she worked tirelessly as Fundraising Coordinator for more than 15 years. Her passion for helping children and youth involved with Children’s Aid was unmistakable. Donna believed deeply that every child deserved opportunity, joy, and hope. She was the driving force behind many successful fundraising events, including the Dream Ball, the Wine Auction Gala, Be a Kid for a Day, and Santa’s Sleigh. Donna brought the Dream Ball Committee’s vision to life year after year, securing logistical, promotional, and fundraising support with care and determination. She had a remarkable way of drawing people to a cause, endearing herself to sponsors and volunteers alike, and then humbly stepping aside to acknowledge the contributions of others. Donna was often deserving of accolades that quietly passed her by, yet the legacy of her work lives on through the countless children and families whose lives were changed because she cared. She was known as the kind and compassionate face and voice of the Foundation, and she often shed tears over a success story or a heartfelt thank-you. In retirement, Donna returned fully to her creative roots. She painted daily, tended her gardens, watched the birds from her deck, and found peace in the beauty of everyday life. One of her proudest moments later in life was having her artwork featured through the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council. Donna was also a dedicated volunteer at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay for over ten years. She visited patients, made them smile and laugh, and brought light to days that can feel heavy while in the hospital. In her final days at Ross Memorial, Donna was visited by many who had worked closely with her there. They shared fond memories and thanked her for the love, kindness, and selflessness she gave so freely for more than a decade. Donna shared an especially close and joyful bond with her grandson, Logan. Together they gardened, swam, baked, cooked, sledded, and laughed endlessly. Whether tending flowers side by side or spending long summer days swimming in the lake, their time together brought Donna immeasurable happiness and filled her days with purpose and joy. Nanni, as she was lovingly known by her grandchildren Logan, Ella, and Aven, was deeply cherished. The arts and crafts, cookie baking, and spontaneous dance parties will be remembered forever. Bethany’s first husband, Nic, whom Donna loved deeply, was sadly taken from us by cancer. Nanni and Nic are now together again in Heaven. Our family continued to grow with Jay, Bethany’s husband, and Blake, the newest and much-loved addition to the family, her one year old grandson. Donna Barry was one of the most caring, loving, and giving people to ever grace this earth. To know her was to feel truly seen, heard, and cared for. She would do anything to be there for those she loved, offering her time, her heart, and her unwavering support. With deep love and sorrow, we say goodbye to our mother, wife, sister, Nanni, and friend. Donna’s heart forever rests on the shores of Shadow Lake, and in keeping with her spirit, a Celebration of Life will be held at the lake this summer, where family and friends will gather to honor an extraordinary woman who gave so much to others.