Obituary of Donalda Bertie Gerlach

Donalda “Donnie” Bertie Gerlach (nee MacDonald), late of Lumsden, SK, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at the age of 83 years. She was a kind and joyful soul who touched the lives of many. Donnie was many things, but most of all, she was devoted to her family including her husband Stan, daughter Loretta Kim, her many brothers and sisters, and other family members. She took her life’s joy in knowing and caring for others, whether it be family, friends, neighbours, or the many customers she served in the food and beverage industry over the years.

Donnie spent the last five years of her life in the Lumsden Heritage Home and the love and care she received was second to none. To the end, she took such happiness in the relationships she had with all the staff. Donnie’s family has so much appreciation for all the amazing staff at the Heritage Home for their endless love, care, and compassion.

Donnie had a long life that was truly characterized by love, caring for others, and happiness. In the spirit in which she lived, we do not grieve her passing but rather celebrate with gratitude for having had her in our lives and for the lessons she taught us about unconditional love.

She was predeceased by her father Angus MacDonald; mother Lillian MacDonald (Madrega); husband Stan Gerlach; brothers-in-law Bill Lipon, Rick Coward, Paul Mayer and Jack Dolan; and sisters-in-law Betty MacDonald and Shawna Cossette. Donnie is survived by her daughter Loretta Kim Gerlach (Mark Brochu); brothers Angus MacDonald, William MacDonald and Kevin Cossette; sisters Delores Lipon, Diane McAllister (Grant), Janice Coward, Brenda Mayer, Lynn Seida (Steve), Stephanie Parsons (Garry), and Helen Dolan; many loved in-laws on her Gerlach side of the family; and many very beloved nieces and nephews in the MacDonald and Gerlach families. The family will hold a private Graveside Service in the future. Family and friends so wishing may make donations to the Lumsden Heritage Home, Box 479, Lumsden, SK, SOG 3CO.