Obituary of Donna Margaret Longley
Donna Margaret Longley (Campbell)
February 19, 1943-February 25, 2023
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce Donna’s peaceful passing into the arms of our Lord while at home in the presence of Raymond, the love of her life, and their 7 daughters. She was 80 years young.
Donna was a beautiful wife, beloved mother, Nanny, Nana-Great, aunt, cousin, and cherished friend to one and all. At the age of 17 she married her soulmate, Raymond. They settled in Carleton Corner where they soon welcomed daughter Heather, followed by Margie, Mary, Jennifer, Lydia, Rebecca, and Rachel.
Mom was known for her extreme green thumb and beautiful gardens. She excelled at sewing – from the girls’ clothes, wedding dresses, prom dresses, to “Nanny Jammies” and endless figure skating costumes. It was her gift. Although she possessed many talents, she considered her greatest achievement to be her girls. Known as “the better half” of Donna and Raymond, she never missed an opportunity to celebrate their love and special events within her family. Nanny’s kitchen was always open! Her home was the center of holidays and celebrations. She was a kind and caring woman who enjoyed an occasional glass of wine and a hearty laugh, but nothing thrilled her more than hearing the news of a new addition to the family or the pitter patter of little feet scampering across her kitchen floor. A devoted Christian woman, she served as a Deacon, was a member of the Finance Board as well as a co-founder of the Son Seekers Puppet Ministry within the Bridgetown Baptist Church. In our home there was never a cross word spoken, she accepted everyone as they were, never judging, just opening her arms and home to all who passed through.
Whatever her girls were involved in she was always ready to participate or lend a hand – be it Brownies, Girl Guides, Explorers, 4-H, Sunday School, figure skating, or a community gathering. While she loved being a stay-at-home Mom, after her girls graduated high school, she worked at Acadian Distillers then the Carriage House Cross Stitch with Sharon and John Jay. A few years later, she joined Wendy Tupper at Sears before retiring to spend more time with her grandchildren. She was known as Nanny or Nana-Great to her 29 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren and as Auntie Donna to her numerous nieces and nephews.
Donna is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Raymond Longley of Carleton Corner. She will be lovingly and forever remembered by daughters, Heather (Andy) DeBoer, Bridgetown, Margie (Robert) Chipman, Tupperville, Mary (Jim Moir) Longley, Bridgewater, Jennifer (Jamie) Ward, Bridgetown, Lydia (Jim) McLaren, Annapolis Royal, Rebecca (Rob) Todd, Sydney, Cape Breton, and Rachel (Carl) Oldham, Wolfville.
Donna was predeceased by her parents, Kitty and Tim Taylor, her brothers, Bill (Norma) and Bob Campbell, sister Bette (Rowlands) Hall, and grandson, Colin Ray Chipman.
A very heartfelt thank you to all the members of the VON, Annapolis County and Dr. Sarah Surette for the love and support you provided over the past 6 years. It is because of your dedication and assistance we were able to fulfill Mom’s wish to remain at home as she battled Alzheimer’s Dementia.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Bridgetown. Visitation will be held Saturday, March 4 from 1-4pm. All are welcome to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, March 5, at 2pm at the Bridgetown Baptist Church officiated by Pastors Herb Anderson and Steve Hopper followed by a reception at the Bridgetown Fire Hall. Donations may be made in Donna’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, The Bridgetown Baptist Church, or the VON of Nova Scotia. On line condolences may be sent at www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com