EDNA MAY DONOVAN
May 5, 1921 – January 24, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edna May Donovan on January 24, 2026, at Fairfield Park Nursing Home in her hometown of Wallaceburg, Ontario at the age of 104.
Daughter to Charles and Ellen (Frost) Masefield. Predeceased by her beloved husband Michael Fred of 46 years (1992) with whom Edna raised a family in Wallaceburg and proudly built a home in RR#2 Tottenham; and then the late caring Arthur Barnett of 6 years (2005). Edna also lived her later years with family in Uxbridge.
Loving mother to Cindy (Theo) D’Hollander, Kathleen (Michael) Brown, and Jim (Jacquie) Donovan. Cherished grandmother of Michelle (Sean), late Ryan, Mathew (Pia), David (Stacie), Heather, Katie, and Sean (Hillary). Great grandmother of Ethan, Connor, Rhian; Rocco, James; Callie and Wesley. Sister of the late Annie Aileen (Manse) Williams as well as sister-in-law to Fred’s siblings: Frances, Joseph, Margaret, Jack, Charlotte, Eileen, Sheila, Jim, Peter, and Patrick.
Edna was a talented musician, singer, performer, and classical piano teacher into her late 80s. Edna was also deeply devoted to her Anglican faith and served as a long-time organist and choir leader at both St. James Anglican Church in Wallaceburg, as well as Christ Church in Tottenham.
Edna’s love and strong-willed, independent personality will echo in the memories of those she leaves behind.
A private family funeral service will be held at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, Tottenham with springtime interment to take place at Fraser Presbyterian Cemetery, RR#2 Tottenham.
Family would like to thank all of the wonderful, caring, highly professional staff at Fairfield Park where Edna flourished as a resident. Donations in memory of Edna may be made to The Salvation Army or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Private Family Funeral Service
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Jennifer W says
Mrs Donovan was my piano teacher during the late 1980’s. I remember her telling me the story of the May 31st 1985 Tornado that hit her house and tore down everything but left her piano untouched. I’m sad to learn she is gone but amazed that she lived a very long life of 104! I hope she has been reunited with her beloved husband and other family members in heaven!
Delphine Archibald says
My sincere sympathy to the family.
Shared many Bible studies coffee and good times when she was a big part of Christ church.
She was such an upbeat type of person.
Rest in peace,Edna,
John and Sheila Kleinikkiink says
Edna was a member of the Alliston Golden Bells and was an outstanding
player. She was always friendly and helpful. Besides that group ,we were
friends. Our condolences, John and Sheila Kleinikkink
Mary Doldersum says
Dear Cindy and Theo and Family
My deepest condolences on the passing of your dear mother.
Mrs Donovan also taught our children piano lessons when we lived in New Tecumseth.
She was always so gracious!
And it was Ralph and my pleasure to meet you , Cindy and Theo, a few years ago.
And you’re both just as gracious as your Mom was.
Many hugs,
Mary Doldersum
Carol Fraser says
I have such fond memories of Edna, the organist at Christ Church when I was in the choir and I was M.C. at her second wedding. She was such a doll, we all loved her. She was in the Tottenham Tornado but her spirit remained bright and she never said “Why me?” She was with our choir at Sky Dome when we had our 150 Sesquicentennial for the Anglican church as part of the 2,800 member choir. What a glorious experience. She spent so many summers with her Mom at the cottage, always the obedient daughter. What a wonderfully long life she had filled each day to the fullest…I’ve thought of her often after my move to Muskoka. Rest in peace, Edna, you deserve it.
Lori Mollett says
Rest in Peace Mrs. Donovan.
Edna was my piano teacher and, she played the organ at my church. I remember her with the fondest of memories.
Cam Lindsey says
Sorry to hear of Edna’s passing. She was a lovely kind lady. She loved music and teaching it to others.
Judy and Bob Prince says
We were fortunate to have known Edna while a neighbour in Uxbridge. Such a lovely lady and a loss to us and our granddaughters who also have fond memories of her. Cindy and Theo, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Nathalie Copp, Tottenham, Ont. says
My condolences to the Family of Edna and sorry to hear of her passing, I was in the Church Choir at the Church here in Tottenham for 34 years and she was there a good part of that time.
She was a wonderful Lady and a great friend. I had many great conversations with her.
Rest in Peace Edna and thanks for being my friend.
Mary Milner says
Wishing the Donovan Family peace and comfort during this difficult time.
In the mid 70’s, Mrs. Donovan helped me achieve my goals of completing my Grade 8 Piano and Grade II Theory. She was a wonderful piano teacher, so kind and patient with me. We kept in touch for many years at Christmas time, even when she moved to Uxbridge and I have thought of her many times over the years.
Such a special lady, who will be remembered and missed by many.
Sincerely, Mary Milner
Peggy Ann Field says
My condolences to Ednas family, Edna was a very special person, I was her hairdresser for 25 or more years we became very close friends and I missed her so much when she moved away from Tottenham, she was loved by many , 104 what a privilege , my thoughts & prayers are with you all .
Donnie Semple says
I am sending my condolences to Mrs Donovan.
I remember her well. She always had a small corner of my heart.
I loved being apart of the choir in the 70s. She taught me a few things (a lot), she gave smiles when someone needed it most.
She asked me a few times to call her Edna. Never could do it.
RIP Mrs Donovan
RIP Edna
Donnie
Karen Mallany says
As members of the Church of the Evangelists (formerly Christ Church) in Tottenham, we are sad to learn of the passing of Edna. Her contribution to our musical program was an integral part of our worship services.
Condolences to the family.
Karen Mallany & Vi Ivany
Jo-Anne Schyvenaars says
With our deepest condolences on the loss of your mom Cindy, Theo and family. May all the treasured memories help you feel surrounded by her love, always. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Dave McBride & Jo-Anne Schyvenaars
Barry and Roseann Musson says
We were very blessed to have shared family get togethers with Edna and family. Such a wonderful spirit. Always ready to give someone a hug…or two.
Barry and Roseann Musson
Janie Gregg says
I remember Edna and Fred from my years at Tottenham IGA. They were both great people. Edna was always smiling and wore dangly earrings. They incurred lots of damage in the Tornadoes of “85”. She sure lived along life.
Very nice memory.
Pat Highgate says
Thinking of you and all your family, Kathy. Hope you find comfort in the wonderful woman your mother was. She is at peace now.
Linda DeBurger says
The Donovan Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days. Your Mom leaves a beautiful legacy. A long life well lived. Hugs
Tom and Linda
Carlynn Foster says
It was a great pleasure to care for Edna. She will be missed dearly