Obituary of Donna Rachel Scarfe

"Please click here to view the livestream of the service".

Our much beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and auntie Donna Scarfe passed away on October 11, 2022, at the age of 79.   She was predeceased by her husband Jim; parents Mel and Elsie Hedlund; special Aunt Mabel; and in-laws Wes Gradin, Jack and Shirley Scarfe, Albert and Hazel Scarfe, and Sharon and Joe Prpick.  She is survived by her daughter Jeanne (Darcy); granddaughter Grace; siblings Delores Gradin, Verna (Don) Gray, David (Marilyn) Hedlund, Sharon (Ron) MacKay, and Will (Jenny) Hedlund; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Donna Hedlund was born in Whitewood, SK on March 17, 1943 and lived in several Saskatchewan towns as her family followed her father’s career managing Co-op stores.  By virtue of her personality, she took charge of her siblings.

Her schooling was largely in a one room school in Carlea, where she skipped a grade and did her first two years of high school by correspondence.  Donna finished high school at Caronport, where she played first base on the girls' softball team.  After obtaining her Teacher Certificate at age 18, her first teaching assignments were in Nipawin, Saskatchewan and Wanham, Alberta.  She later earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education through the University of Regina. 

Donna married Jim Scarfe in 1973.   They spent the early years of their marriage in La Ronge, where they purchased a cabin on Camp Island.  In 1981, Donna, Jim, and daughter Jeanne moved to Regina where they enjoyed walking their dogs, spending time with their extended families, and pursuing hobbies and further education. 

Donna was born to teach.  She delighted in children and could always think of a fun game or activity.  She worked as an elementary school teacher and a social worker before beginning her 20 plus year career with SUNTEP Regina.  Her passion for quality instruction and equity shaped a generation of pre-service teachers.   Over her long career she had a lasting influence on others, thanks to her kind heart, quick mind, and caring nature. 

Much of her life was spent in service of others and so we ask that, in lieu of flowers, please honor Donna’s memory by donating to REACH (Regina Education and Action on Child Hunger) or by finding another way make the world a more gentle and inclusive place. 

A memorial service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK, on Monday, October 17, 2022, at 1:00PM. The family asks that guests wear a mask. A livestream and recording of the service and eulogies will be available on the day of the service.