Obituary of Donna Farley

Donna Jean Farley (nee Sadleir) 1936-2012 With her family at her bedside, Donnie passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Reunited with her beloved husband and best friend Gene. Proud mother of Sarah (Don Macintosh), Mike (Suzanne Brown), Andrea (Marcus Hulton). Loving Nana of Ellie, Emma, Andrew, Daniel, Noah, Jordie, and Ethan. Donnie will also be greatly missed by her extended family - niece Wendy Lewis & family and Doris Low. Donnie grew up in Toronto where she attended The Bishop Strachan School (class of 1955). She obtained her BA at The University of Western Ontario in 1958, and her teaching designation the following year. Donnie's strong sense of community was exemplified throughout her life by her involvement in many organizations in the North Toronto neighbourhood and at her beloved Lake of Bays, as well as a 40 plus year career as a volunteer with CNIB. She was known as the consummate hostess - whether it was hosting her and Gene's annual Christmas Party, bridge parties, Fun with Food or one of the many other get-togethers at their home or cottage introducing people who she thought might share similar interests. Donnie enjoyed countless summers at the family cottage, reading, music, gardening, her many pets, and her travelling adventures with Gene. Her foundation was her family, from whom she drew great pleasure and strength. Strong in her ideals and principles Donnie or 'Mrs F' thrived on bringing people together in community. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday March 29. Funeral service will be held in EGLINTON ST. GEORGE'S UNITED CHURCH, 35 Lytton Boulevard, Toronto on Friday, March 30 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian National Institute for Blind, or Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff and volunteers in the CVICU, B4 High Intensity, and Veterans Palliative Care Unit at Sunnybrook Hospital for the exceptional care and compassion they provide. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.