On March 10, 2026, the world became a little less bright, as DONNA JEAN STAFFORD of Lethbridge passed away in her sleep at the age of 85 years. A woman of immense grace and [not so] quiet strength, she spent her life modeling the true meaning of compassion and generosity.

She was born in High River, and raised on a picturesque family farm in Nanton, Alberta. In her young adult life, she worked in Banff as a waitress and explored the Rocky Mountains, which she would later share fondly with her family.

After moving to Victoria, British Columbia, Donna discovered her second home near the ocean. She worked for CIBC, eventually becoming a Loans Manager and an integral member of the Langford community, while raising her two
daughters.

Donna found her greatest joy in the simple, steady rhythms of life. Whether she was sitting with a cup of tea/coffee, lost in the pages of a good book, or challenging herself with a game of Mahjong, she moved through the world with a sense of wonder. She had a deep love for nature and found endless entertainment in the small things, such as watching gophers pop through the grass or “people watching” from a favorite spot.

She found her calling when meeting her first grandchild, and would spend the rest of her life dedicated to making sure her grandchildren knew what the word Grandma or GMA really meant.

Her parents were married 47 years and shared a love that was deep and
rare, before her mother tragically passed. When her father needed more support, she moved to her parent’s home in Lethbridge. Donna joined the McKillop United Church and sang beautifully in the choir.

She was a wanderer at heart, always ready for a new adventure alongside her loved ones. Time with Donna was filled with fond memories of spontaneous drives to explore new roads, abandoned buildings, natural parks, and beautiful views. However, Donna’s greatest exploration was into the hearts of the people she met, and she dedicated her life to taking care of others. Known for her forgiveness and “open door” policy to many who weren’t related by blood, she was simply and lovingly known as “Grandma.”

Donna always knew how to make someone feel that they mattered, belonged, and that there was at least one person who cared for them and always would. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and kindness, a reminder that there is always room for more at the table, and that love and care can be given to all those who need it.

She is survived by her great grandchild, Brooke Blakely-Mackay, grandchildren Cassandre LaFlamme, Genavieve Mackay (Lyon), Warren McMurtrie, children Jaqueline and Carolena Kaszas, Doug Francis, brother, Larry Stafford, and sister-in-law Ardis Stafford. She was predeceased by her parents Genevieve and Percival Stafford.

Donna proudly donated her body to the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine. In lieu of a burial site, cornerstone funeral home will be collecting donations on behalf of the family towards a memorial bench in Lethbridge, AB. Donna’s family would also appreciate if anyone has pictures or memories that they would like to share about her, please email dstaffmemories@outlook.com

A Celebration of Life will be held at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 15 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 2:00 P.M. till 4:30 P.M., and all friends and family are welcome to come and go.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-03-10
• Location : Alberta