Lauren MM Donnelly

Lauren's family is deeply saddened to announce her passing, after a valiant, six year battle against several cancers.

Lauren's early childhood years were spent in the Ottawa Valley in Douglas, Ont. From there, the Nevilles moved to Montreal, where she completed high school and her first degree. While obtaining her Masters in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa, she did a practicum at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon. The provincial government's Department of Health wisely offered her a job, so she moved to Regina, where she met Richard, her husband.

Daughters Brenna and Erin were born while they were living in Wilcox, where Richard was teaching at Notre Dame. In 1992 they moved to Regina so Richard could teach with the Separate School system, and son Ryan was born a few years later. Lauren's 30 year career with the Department of Health was marked by numerous promotions, until she reached the position of Assistant Deputy Minister, which she held for six years. After that, she worked for almost 5 years as vice-president of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. In both capacities Lauren represented Saskatchewan nationally and internationally on several boards and committees. A number of her co-workers became social friends after she retired, and the family is so grateful for the joy and intellectual stimulation they brought to her with the aid of good appetizers and cold beverages. Deb, Val, John, Scott, Margaret, Patrick, et al - thank you for your professional and personal friendships.

Although Lauren's work life was challenging and fulfilling, she found family time to be the most rewarding of all, especially in retirement. Her three children, her beloved grandchildren; grandson Henry (9), and granddaughters Aubrey (5), and Eleanor (almost 2) were truly her life's focus and are her lasting legacy. Her proudest days were the wedding of daughter Brenna to Andrew Kuski, and the births of her 3 grandchildren. We will forever cherish Lauren's Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving meals, birthday parties, random get-togethers for appetizers and wine, and quality time on the back deck, watching the kids and grandkids play. Lauren never missed any of her children's games and concerts and maintained the same high level of support for Henry's football and soccer games, and Aubrey's dance recitals.

Predeceased by her parents Tom and Jane, Lauren's memory will be cherished by her older sister Mary Jane (Kingston, Ont) and younger siblings Susan and Thomas (Regina). Lauren will be especially missed by her best friends Cindy Johnston (Milton, Ont) who provided invaluable support in Lauren's final days, and Wynanne Bindon (Montreal, Qué). Also missing Lauren are her extended family: the Foys, the Donohues, and the Helfertys, from the Ottawa Valley and southern Ontario. As well, Lauren will be sorely missed by her Donnelly family: in-laws Les and Bernice, Richard's nine younger siblings and all their spouses and families, and innumerable aunts, uncles and cousins . Of special note will be her absence from the sister-in-law chat group, with whom much information and many laughs were shared over the years.

A Catholic service will take place on June 21st at 2 PM at Christ The King Parish, 3239 Garnet St., with Father Louis Nguyen officiating. This will be followed by a celebration of Lauren's life at the Conexus Arts Centre at 3 PM.

A funeral mass will take place at the end of August in Eganville, Ontario with a burial to follow in the family plot in Douglas,Ontario. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation in Lauren's name to the Saskatchewan Cancer Foundation