Obituary of Donna Elizabeth MacLean

Donna was born on July 7, 1947, the youngest daughter of Constantine and Katherine Baier. She grew up on the family farm north of Altario, where she learned from an early age the meaning of hard work, family, and helping others. She spent much of her childhood helping on the farm before moving to Edmonton for Grade 11. After finishing school, Donna began babysitting for her sisters, Elsie, Hilda, and Lorraine, and later moved to Provost to babysit for a family there. It was in Provost that Donna met the love of her life, Keith MacLean. Their lives would become intertwined for the next 58 years, building a family and a lifetime of memories together. Donna was accepted into LPN training in Edmonton in 1965, graduating in 1966. Donna then began her nursing career at Provost Hospital, working alongside her brother Melvin. Caring for others came naturally to Donna.

She had a gentle, compassionate way about her and was always willing to help when someone needed her. On August 3, 1968, Donna and Keith were married. Five years later, they welcomed their first son, Terry, followed by Troy a yearar later. When Troy was one, Donna began working at the Provost Medical Centre. Life was busy raising two boys, working, and keeping up with all of their activities. Baseball and hockey became a big part of their family life, and Donna was always there cheering from the stands, supporting her boys and taking pride in all they accomplished.

In July 1987, the family of four moved to Oyen when they purchased the funeral home. Donna continued her nursing career, beginning work at Big Country Hospital in 1988. After working at the funeral home for six years she received her funeral director's licence in 1993. Donna dedicated her life to helping others, whether it was caring for patients and families, or simply being there for someone who needed her.

One of Donna's greatest joys in life was becoming a grandmother. In 1997, Terry welcomed Alex, making Donna a Gramma for the very first time. Two years later came Christian. In 2003, Troy and Sherry welcomed Kaitlyn, the only girl. Finally, Conner arrived in 2005. Donna loved being a Gramma and treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren. Each one held a special place in her heart, and she was so proud of all of them. In November 2003, Donna retired from nursing and began working alongside Keith at the funeral home. Even in retirement, she was never one to sit still for long. When she wasn't working, Donna could often be found sewing, quilting, crafting, or cooking. She had a talent for making beautiful things with her hands and for making people feel cared for through the things she made. She was especially well known for her aprons, her delicious perogies, and, of course, her angel food cake.

Some of Donna and Keith's happiest memories were made while travelling with family. Their trips to Hawaii and Jamaica brought them great joy, laughter, and countless stories to share. These trips became treasured family memories that will continue to bring smiles for years to come.

Donna's life changed after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. As the years progressed, she and Keith eventually sold their home and moved to the Oyen Lodge. In September 2025, Donna moved to Big Country Hospital Long Term Care, where she received care and support during the final chapter of her life. Through all of life's changes, Donna's greatest constant was her love for her family.

She was a wife, mother, Gramma, sister, aunt, friend, funeral director, nurse, fire mom, and so much more. She had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for, and her love was often shown in the simple things she did for others.

Donna will be lovingly remembered by her husband and lifelong partner, Keith MacLean; her sons, Terry (Cindy) MacLean and Troy (Sherry) MacLean; her grandchildren, Alex (Erika) MacLean, Christian (Christina) MacLean,Kaitlyn MacLean, and Conner MacLean; her brother, Melvin (Audrey) Baier; her sisters, Lorraine Gramlich and Elsie Frayn; as well as her sisters-in-law Carol Paulgaard, and Linda (John) Campbell, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Constantine and Katherine Baier; step mother, Betty Baier, her brother, Wilfred Baier; her sister, Hilda Gramlich; her sister-in-law, Lily Baier; her brothers-in-law, Leo Gramlich, Bob Frayn and George Gramlich; and her baby sister, Mary Baier.

She was also predeceased by her father- and motherin-law, Delbert and Marian MacLean, and her brother-in-law, Harold Paulgaard.

Donna leaves behind a lifetime of memories: family gathering around the table, hockey and baseball games, the smell of something baking in the kitchen, handmade quilts and aprons, family trips, and countless moments spentwith the people she loved.

Most of all, Donna leaves behind a family who knew just how deeply they were loved. She will be missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. The love she shared and the many memories she created will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.