Obituary of Donna Gertrude Boutilier

BOUTILIER: Donna Gertrude of Brandon, Manitoba died peacefully in the palliative care ward at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on August 24, 2014. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 28, 1952 to Andy and Edna Eckert. Donna grew up in a large military family with seven brothers and sisters. Moving from base to base, around the country and overseas, their last posting was C.F.B. Shilo, Manitoba. While attending PEPS high school, she met her husband, Dan (Boots) Boutilier, and was married on October 30, 1971. Boots then joined the military and they started a family, having two sons, Dan and Rick. She raised her boys before starting her career in the kitchens of 4 Wing Cold Lake and C.F.B. Shilo. She retired in 2012, after 22 years of service, to have more time to be with her aging mother. For the last two years, she made daily visits to see her mom at Hillcrest, and appreciated the wonderful staff there. Throughout her lifetime, she touched many hearts with her generosity and caring. She enjoyed being creative with arts and crafts, solving puzzles, playing bingo and gambling. She was an amazing cook and had many requests for her dishes. Donna loved to garden and to be outdoors - sunflowers and lilacs were her favourites. Donna is survived by her sons Dan and Rick, brothers and sisters; Rick (Joanne), Terry (Don), Linda (Jim), Carol (Rob), Don (Deanna), David, Susan (Joe), and many nieces and nephews and her beautiful mother, Edna. We would like to thank Dr. Corine Minders and all the awesome, kind, caring staff at the Assiniboine Centre for comforting Donna. A graveside service was held at the Brandon Cemetery on Thursday, August 28, 2014 with Kim Lewarne, Funeral Celebrant, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna's memory to Hillcrest Place Personal Care Home, 930-26th Street, Brandon, MB, R7B 2B8.