1931 – 2025
Surrounded by her loving daughters, Donna Farrow passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the age of 94.
Donna was born April 1, 1931 in Fort William to Ethel and Stan Clayton, and was the younger sister of Charlie. She adored her dad’s sense of humour, doted on her mother and was very proud of her big brother.
As a young lady, working at Chapples, Donna waited on a handsome young man named Stanley Farrow, who had just returned from England. A short time later, fate had them meet again at a family wedding where he asked her to dance. The rest is history, as they say, and on April 2, 1951, the day after her 20th birthday, she married ‘her Stanley’.
Together they built a family home on Arthur Street. Donna, who always wanted a houseful of kids, was blessed with 7 children – 6 daughters and 1 son. She embraced motherhood and was a devoted stay-at-home mum. She kept her home alive with music, love, laughter and good food (pies). She was a busy mum who encouraged and supported her children in all of their activities.
Every Sunday, she hosted delicious dinners, inviting aunties and others, creating so many beautiful memories. Every June, Mum packed the kids up to live at ‘camp’ on Lake Superior. It was truly Donna’s ‘happy’ place, where friends and family were always welcome and entertained, whether it was an evening bonfire, swimming in the lake, or simply enjoying a peaceful ride in the row boat Stanley built.
Donna looked forward to road trips and winter vacations in Barbados. Dear to her heart was England, where frequent holidays were made visiting her parents’ relatives and dad’s special ‘family’ who she loved and kept in touch with.
Donna had a strong faith and was very involved with the church. As a member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Mum organized the ‘Little Helpers’ program, helped in the nursery and was a long-standing member of the ACW. It was within this church community, Donna made treasured life-long friends.
Donna will be deeply missed by her daughters, Charlotte (Jim) Miller, Pamela (Doug) Oshimo, Jennifer (Dale) Mead, Victoria (Bruno) Tassone, Alexandra (Guy) Jefford, Rebecca (Mike) DiTomaso, and daughter-in-law Marisa Farrow; grandchildren, Chris (Rachel) Miller, Sally (Jerry) DeVries, Travis (Jessica) Oshimo, Rylee (Steve) Petricig, Cameron (Sarah) Oshimo, Spencer (Rebecca) Oshimo, Erin Ezack, Philip (Laura) Mead, Liam, Colin and Rose Farrow, Olivia Farrow-LeFevre, Thomas and Madilyn Tassone, and Elizabeth and Samantha Jefford; 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, and special nieces, nephews and cousins.
Donna was predeceased by her dearly loved husband Stanley Farrow and son Geoffrey Farrow; brother Charles Clayton; and sisters-in-law, Jane Clayton, Margaret McDonnell and Dorothy Farrow.
A funeral service for Donna Farrow will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 11:00 am in St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 808 Ridgeway Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario, celebrated by Archdeacon Deborah Kraft, with reception to follow. A private family interment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to SJCG Manor House Adult Day Program, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, or a charity of your choice.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of SJCG Manor House; Sister Leila Greco Apartments; and Southbridge Pinewood (Sandpiper Wing) for the exceptional care shown to Donna in recent years. The compassion you showed us and your commitment to helping Mum will always be remembered.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.
“Jolly Good”
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com.
