RAUCKMAN: Donna Patricia
Eulogy delivered at St. Mary's RC Church, Red Deer, Alberta
It is with heavy hearts we join each other today to day good-bye to a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a friend. Donna's life touched each of us in different ways whether you remember changing her diaper, her changing yours, a smile, a laugh or a hug it is these differences which will ensure her memory lives on. Donna was born October 10, 1953 to Edward and Blanche Poncelet in Humboldt Saskatchewan. She grew up on the family farm just outside Meacham with her brothers Brian and Lyle and her sisters Sharon and Glenda. Donna always had fond memories of her childhood spent on the farm with maybe the exception of rock picking, but even then she always said "At least is was good exercise" though that may not have been quite what she was thinking at the time. It was these early years which shaped her into the strong, loving and caring woman which we all knew and loved. On October 13, 1972 Donna was married to her loving husband Les Rauckman and together they had four wonderful sons Cory, Chris, Tyler and Brett. Although Donna deeply wanted a daughter her and Les decided that four boys was quite enough, in fact maybe too much at times but her love for her family never wavered. Her boys went on to marry four beautiful women Brandy, Michelle, Katie and Sheena who gave her seven incredible grandchildren, Abby, Gunnar, Kaden, Gabriel, Madison, Karsen and Keira. It is in her sons and her grandchildren that Donna's compassion, strong sense of family, love and strength will continue to live on and indeed become her legacy. Donnas love for horses was second only to that of her family, a love carried down from her father. Her caring nature was so great that once her sons had grown up and finally left the house she went out and fulfilled her lifelong passion and got her first "daughter" a horse named Cam. Cam brought out another side of Donna which she had put away for so many years while raising her family, the adventurer. Donna may not have always been a big fan of Les's and the boy's idea of camping but out of love for her family she went along with their trips. Once Cam came into her life Donna embraced the outdoors as it was a means for her to spend time doing what she loved. In October of 2011 Donna was diagnosed with Cancer which she faced head on with the love, strength and support of her family and friends. Even when facing a nearly incurable cancer she chose to take up the fight, a battle that lasted 15 months. She overcame numerous complications and pushed through the many challenges that go along with this disease and in the end it was not her will to fight that faltered but her body's ability to support her in this struggle. On the morning of January 16, 2013 Donna passed away peacefully, comforted by the love of her family and her friends. It is known for certain that we never lose the people we love, even in death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Her life has left an indelible imprint on our memories and we can take comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared in hers. At long last her pain has subsided and she is at rest. "Strange is our situation here on earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we were here for the sake of others... for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labours of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received." At Donna's request before the luncheon Josh Brogens "I will raise you up" and Alabama's "There are angels among us" to be played to afford some sense of comfort. So typical of our beloved Donna. Memorial donations can be made to Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnst Avenue, Red Deer, AB., T4R 3S6. Condolences can be made by visiting www.eventidofuneralchapel.com, Red Deer AB. Donna you will be forever missed, never forgotten and always loved.
