Donna Rose Pelletier - April 25, 1957 - February 11, 2012. It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Donna Rose Pelletier (nee Whitehawk) at age 54 on February 11, 2012. Donna resided in Yorkton, SK and passed away at the Regina General Hospital due to sudden heart failure. She was born on April 25, 1957 in Kamsack, SK. Donna spent her early years on Cote First Nation. Donna is a residential school survivor and attended St. Philips and sought further schooling in Regina. Donna relocated to Yorkton, as a teenager, where she attended St. Joseph school. She furthered her education in Yorkton, in the 1980's, by attending school for hair cutting. Donna successfully completed a Bachelor of Indian Social Work, from the University of Regina, through the Saskatchewan Indian Federation College in Saskatoon in 1998. Donna provided therapeutic, holistic and spiritual support for all who embraced her passion. She was a Reiki Master, collected stones and showed an interest in quantum touch and shiatsu. In Donna's spare time she read books and actively wrote positive, inspirational healing messages and words. Donna was employed at the Yorkton Tribal Councils Safe Haven Women's Shelter as the In-house Counselor. She has been employed at Safe Haven since 1999. Her co-workers at the shelter were more than colleagues; they were friends. She had strong individual bonds with each of the ladies and she was thankful for all their friendships and prayers. Donna's memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Donna loved her family and friends unconditionally. She is survived by her children Ashley Whitehawk (Robin) of Regina, Dwayne JR. Whitehawk (Jackie) of Yorkton, Darwin Whitehawk of Yorkton, Nathan Boyer of Yorkton and Destiny Boyer of Yorkton. She is also survived by her beloved Grandchildren Rebecca, Shanell, Asia, Corbin, Araya, Danielle, Lachlan, Jazmyn, Chyenne, Alexis, Jessica, Laryssa, Leighton and Lyndon. Her siblings, brother Wilfred "Blueman" Whitehawk (Sheryl) of Yorkton, Larry Whitehawk (Brunella) of Cote FN, Cheryl Cadotte (Howard) of Cote FN, Bobby Whitehawk (Corrine) of Cote FN, Lucille Cote of Kamloops, Penny Cote of Kamloops, Tina Whitehawk of Saskatoon and Jessica Whitehawk of Saskatoon. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, co-workers, colleagues and casual acquaintances that she loved and cared for dearly. Donna is predeceased by her parents Percy and Pearl Whitehawk, her son Edward JR (baby Eddie), her sister Rosina Shingoose, her brother Calvin Badger and her brother Kenneth "Kenny" Whitehawk. Donna's Wake will commence on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 11:00am at Cote First Nation's band hall. The Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 1:00pm on Cote First Nation's. Interment will follow at Cote Burial Grounds. Lunch will be provided after the service at Cote band hall. Service arrangements have been provided by Wolkowski Funeral Service of Kamsack. Online condolences can be made at www.wolkowski.ca Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (279 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2H8) or a charity of one's choice. Many special thanks to the doctors and nurses of Regina General Hospital Cardiac Care Unit and the Yorkton Regional Hospital ICU staff.
