With shattered hearts and a profound sense of loss, the family of Donna Mariem Zwicker, age 77, of Western Shore, announce her peaceful passing on Saturday, December 13,    2025, at home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Mersea, Ontario, Donna was a daughter of the late George and Wilhelmina (Betts) Knopp.

Donna met the love of her life, Doug, at a drive-in canteen in Leamington while he was working in Ontario. They made a date for the very next night and Mom said, “that was it; it was love at first sight.”  She followed him to Nova Scotia, where they built a life together with many ups and downs, but always love.

From the very beginning, Mom showed her strength and caring nature, raising four children while Dad worked away fishing and in construction, often gone for weeks at a time. When their youngest child was five, Mom began working outside the home, cleaning for family members before joining Lunenburg County Home Care, Shoreham Village, and Heart to Heart. She was also a longtime member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Western Shore Legion – Harding  Branch 144.

Small but mighty, Mom truly could do it all. She was an accomplished cook and baker, and there was no project she wouldn’t tackle – painting, wallpapering, home renovations (only she knows how many layers of paint and wallpaper were on the walls), restoring the interiors of the many cars Dad brought home (once even a bus), and tending to her beloved flower gardens. Her love of gardening was well known; she could name every flower in her garden and happily share how to care for each one.

Always crafty and artistic, Mom shared her love of tole painting with many people.  She held painting classes for adults and children alike, either at her home or the craft store she ran for a couple of years.  The homes of her children, family, and friends showcase her pieces and they remain treasured items.

Donna leaves behind her loving husband of 60 years, Willoughby Douglas; daughters Pamela (Billy) Myra, Barbie Zwicker, and Gail Hamm, all of Western Shore; and son Douglas Zwicker, of Martins River. She was a proud grandmother to Alex (Mallary) Myra, Samantha (Corey) Mackay, Charlie (Kelsey) Zwicker, Beth (Wayne) Myra-Gale, Sydney (Alex) Zwicker, Miguel (Kirsten) Teixeira, Zachary Hamm, and Andre Teixeira; and cherished great-grandmother to Max Myra, Harry Myra, and Harlow Mackay.

She is also survived by her sister Barbara Thibideau of Essex, Ontario; sister-in-law Sharon Lohnes; and many loved nieces and nephews throughout Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.

In addition to her parents, Donna was predeceased by her brother Neal Knopp; sister Beverly Deck; sisters-in-law Esther Wylie, June Dorey and Nora Zwicker; brothers-in-law Charlie Zwicker, Paul Zwicker, Roy Lohnes, Clarence Dorey, and Phil Wylie; and her lifelong friend Gladys Parsons who she went on annual blueberry picking trips with to the Valley.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Palliative Care and the VON nurses for their compassion and exceptional care. Mom would also want us to thank the friends and relatives who offered well wishes, calls, food, and love. A special thank-you to sister-in-law Sharon for her visits and delicious custard when Mom’s appetite was so small; to Susan for her visits, treats, and always making Mom laugh; and to Sheryl for her sweet treats.

Mom wrote in her notebooks every day, noting who visited, quotes, what she had done that day, and other little things that meant something to her.  We often added little notes for her when we were caring for her.  One comment we found she had written in her book was “Good night to all.  Especially to the ones who love me.  God bless all.”   It was an honour to care for Mom as she once cared for us.  We were blessed to have her and will miss her forever.

A family Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026 when we can make Mom’s garden bloom for her again, with a funeral service to take place at a later date.  Arrangements are entrusted to Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services, Hubbards, NS.

Donations in her memory may be made to the South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society (PO Box 159, Bridgewater, NS, B4V 1V9 ), Victorian Order of Nurses (1924 Northwest Road, Blockhouse, NS, B0J 1E0), or to the charity of your choice and would be greatly appreciated by the family.

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A family Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026 when we can make Mom’s garden bloom for her again, with a funeral service to take place at a later date.