DAVIDSON, Donna Mary -
Donna Mary Davidson (nee Peters) of Oshawa, Ontario passed away suddenly but peacefully, on June 25, 2022.
Born to the late William S. Peters and Geraldine Peters (nee Johnson).
Donna was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Alexander Davidson.
Survived by her brother William (Bill) Peters and his wife Mary; her sister Carol Himmer of Florida; and brother James Peters (Tammy Cail).
Survived by her daughter Sharon Davidson; son Wayne Davidson (Dawn Arnett); her grandchildren, Hilary Davidson (Micheal Fulford); Hailey Davidson-Oliver (Richard Dudley); Troy Davidson (Danielle Tyl); Michael Oliver (Alexandra Oliver); and great-grandma to their daughters Thea and Lennon.
Always a sports woman, Donna grew up playing women’s fastball, basketball, roller skated and attended the local dances. Her fitness career started in 1983 at the Oshawa YWCA.
To enable women to attend these fitness classes, the YWCA initiated children’s day care programs.
During her 38 year career at the YWCA she taught numerous daytime, early morning, noon hour, evening and outreach classes. She mentored and taught the YWCA of Canada Fitness Leader Certification Program to many of the City’s fitness instructors.
In 1970 Donna began teaching at the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centres - John Street, as well as at the YWCA.
To the Centre she brought a variety of fitness classes including chair exercise and weights, always looking for ways to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. In 2000, she started teaching the still popular line dance classes.
She was President of the Line Dance Association, hosted and guest-taught at a number of Line Dance Dinner/Dance Fund-raising functions, having raised over $11,000.00 for the OSCC 55+ to purchase fitness equipment. She was always volunteering her classes to perform at City and OSCC events. She also volunteered her time for warmups at various events including the Bereaved Families of Ontario -Durham Region - Walk To Remember.
For a number of summers, you would find Donna at the Oshawa Civic Auditorium teaching roller skating including the waltz and tango. As a lover of gardening, Donna was a founding member of the Matsuyama Bonsai Society in 1987. Her garden showcases her trees. She was especially proud of her apple tree which each year blooms and produces an apple or two.
Donna was always eager to play cards, bingo, head to the Casino, enjoy a show or sit and read a book in the sun. An avid sports-watcher - baseball, curling, hockey - and when the Toronto Raptors were playing, one knew not to call her and interrupt the game! Donna has been recognized for her career contributions receiving several awards, among the following: 2020-City of Oshawa/OSCC 55+ Senior of the Year. 2017- Medal of Appreciation from Colin Carrie MP.1999-YWCA Cleta Herman Award. 1993-Ontario Corps D’Elite Regional Award - Ministry of Tourism & Recreation - Voluntary Contribution of Recreation.
YWCA Women of Distinction Award. Ontario Fitness Council Recognition Award. United Way Leadership Development Award. Her classes provided both her and her participants an opportunity to form friendships that have lasted for decades. Through her commitment to health, fitness and active living, Donna has enhanced many lives.
Always with a smile and greeting, she will be sadly missed. A private family funeral was held June 30, 2022.
A Celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at THORNTON FUNERAL CENTRE, 1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that a donation be made in Donna’s honor to the Oshawa Senior Community Centres - OSCC 55+, Bereaved Families of Ontario Durham Region, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a CHARITY of your choice.
Expressions of condolence may be left at etouch.ca .