She is a storyteller and has earned her place as a respected Elder in the community. Her parents immigrated to Canada from Romania at the turn of the last century. And she is an integral part of the rich fabric of Regina Beach.
To mark her 95th birthday, her daughter, Caroline Reid, arranged a drive-by birthday greeting (keeping with social distancing regulations). As up to 20 vehicles lined up to mark the day, Mary sat with her grand-daughter, Jessica Reid, in the comfort of Mary’s home,
“It is amazing. How am I ever going to forget this!” was Mary’s response as she watched a parade of neighbours and friends driving by, some of their vehicles decorated, honking their horns for the occasion.
It was a time for reflection. “...Her days are getting shorter, so this was one exceptional event,” says daughter, Caroline. “I am so proud of my Momma. She’s accomplished so much in her life.” Caroline says Mary loves music, and she learned to play by ear when she was a girl, “She can play pretty much every instrument available. She played in an all women’s band across Saskatchewan so many years ago. But, she is even more amazing than that.”
Mary divorced years ago and raised five children on her own as a single parent without any help. Mary lost her parents at such a tender age, 13, and had to quit school, having only a grade 8 education at that time. But, years later, she went on to earn her grade 12 certificate while raising a family and working 2 or 3 jobs at a time to ensure her children were cared for and fed.
She has lived through joy and sorrow. Mary is the only person in her family to live to the age of 95, having had to experience the pain of losing three sons and a son-in-law and her own 14 siblings. But there are also so many moments of happiness. Mary has nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, with two more expected in the coming months.
It’s been a good life on which to reflect and the reason why residents and friends of Mary saw fit to honk their horns, and drive-by her home in appreciation, on her special day.
Mary Donisan is 95 years old, and she will continue to tell stories and pass down precious memories.
By Carol Rose GoldenEagle