Royal Canadian Air Force
Canadian Corps of Signals
Donna passed away peacefully surrounded by her family who were comforting her, holding her hands, and playing her favorite country music. Donna was wrapped in her beloved “O’s” blanket and had the symbol she adorned pinned to her chest; the Poppy. Donna was such an effective communicator and was never alone or in silence as she drew her last breath here on earth. Her Son Kyle comforted her even in death. Donna was born in Gander Newfoundland and Labrador and was proud of her Native Newfoundlander culture and family. Donna is and will always be mourned by her husband, Capt Greg Smit of Ottawa; her Sons Kyle, Sgt Joseph Smit and MCpl Curtis Smit; her daughter-in-laws, PO2 Mandy Smit and Ajia Tan; her parents “Bud” and Louise Hiscock; her brothers Wayne and Shawn Hiscock. Equally as important to Donna is her Canadian Armed Forces family past and present who are too numerous to name. Donna was also a grandmother and a very proud Nanny to Braydon; she has 5 nieces and nephews, Dylan, Devan, Jaden, Isabelle, and John. On her father’s side; Uncles Dick (Heather) Hiscock, Don (Theresa) Hiscock, Tom (Eileen) Hiscock, Gordon (Valerie) Hiscock, Scott (Doreen) Hiscock. Aunts Eileen (Ray) Wells and Valerie (Bonner) Pinsent. On her Mother’s side, Aunts Amy Smith, Irene (Barry) Young. Predeceased by; Aunt Edna and Grandparents Amelia and Edward Gardner and Annie and Gordon Hiscock. Donna was a mentor to so very many lady motorcycle riders and leaves behind dozens of dear friends with the Litas of Ottawa, she was so immensely proud to be among you all out on the road. Donna was known for attracting orphans from within the military, those that leadership and institution had forgotten, or was taking its time to do something or who needed help. She knew she could not always solve their issue or give them what they wanted or needed but in most cases, something could be done; and she was the one to finally do something. It was not just at work, this is who she is, someone who wants to help in whatever way she could. She made a difference to a great many people. CWO Donna Smit emulated what our CAF culture should strive to be, Canadians who have sons and daughters in the military would have wanted Donna advocating for their child. Donna’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the nurses, doctors, and surgeons at the Ottawa Civic Hospital for their excellent medical care and exceptional communication we received. Private services will take place at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave.) followed by inurnment in the National Military Cemetery of Canada. In Lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Boston Terrier Rescue Canada. https://www.bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/
I will find you Donna, no matter how long it takes!
Digital Guestbook
Nadine Casamayou
Chris Gardner
I’m sorry for your loss my condolences to our to all family and friends. Stand down soldier, your tour of duty is over. We shall remember her.
Chris Gardner
I’m sorry to hear such tragic news my heartfelt condolences to family and friends. May she Rest In Peace. Chris.
LCol Maureen Wellwood
My sincere condolences to all of Donna's family and friends. I have only had the privilege of knowing CWO Smit for the last year, after arriving at CFB Borden/MPGTG, which is part of Military Personnel Generation Group, the formation which she served as senior disciplinarian. Despite having only met her in person a couple times, and seen her several times a week in VTCs, I would like to highlight the extent to which Donna's presence will be missed within the CAF community, especially for the women. For me, she was an icon of femininity in uniform, challenging the conformist, male-dominated family of senior leadership with her physical appearance as well as her demeanour. She was proof that you didn't have to be the same as the others to succeed, that you could have a successful and fulfilling career despite these differences. Donna's presence as MPGG CWO was encouraging to all CAF women - she was a beacon. I hope she was as proud of her accomplishments and satisfied with the choices she made, as I am thankful for them.
Paula McMullin
Donna, you were a true rock work is not the same without your booming laugh and ever changing hair color (Smurf) still my favourite. Rest in peace my friend, make sure you keep them on their toes upstairs. Love you my dear dear friend.
S/Sgt. Carl Dinsdale, Rocky Mountain House RCMP Detachment
Greg, Kyle, Joseph and Curtis, my deepest condolences to you all for your unimaginable loss. I cannot imagine your pain and saddness over Donna's passing. By all accounts, she had a proud and admirable career in the service of all Canadians and lived life fully. The void left by lost loved ones can never trul;y be filled, but I hope good memories ease the hurt over time. Take good care of yourselves and each other. - Carl
Serge Guillaume
Dear Donna, I had the pleasure to serve with you on my first deployment in 2005 in South West Asia. Back then, I saw a hardworking member of the CAF in action, keeping fit and with a high morale. My most sincere condolences to the family.
Greg Smit
Today marks one year that the love of my life passed on to our next life. I'm certain she still is among us every day.. Donna Kyle and I still walk together with the foundation of love Donna built for us all. Thank you all for your generosity and love. Greg p.s. I will find you Donna!!
Isabelle Hiscock
Aunt Donna, I wouldn't have all the strength that I have today if it wasn't for having you to look up to all these years. I still sleep with the teddy bear you gave me when I was very young with your voice recording, although the sound doesn't work anymore. It's my most prized possession and my room is never complete without it on my bedside table. I'm still told all the time that I have your eyes and hair and it makes me feel closer to you in a way I've never felt before. It is with great honor that I get to call you my aunt. We all know you continue to ride your bike through the sunset and with that I will say ride on, and everytime I see a shooting star it's the headlight of your bike trailing through the night skies as you complete another adventure. R.I.P
Love you forever and your name will never die
Your niece - Isabelle Hiscock
Maj Samson Young (RCCS)
Just like to let the family members of CWO Smit know that we laid a Christmas wreath on her tombstone and gave military salutes this past Sunday during our annual "Wreaths Across Canada" event. We felt the double losses as she wore the Jimmy cap badge as well as was a motorcycle enthusiast among us...
Gone but never forgotten.
RIP Sister.
I am heartbroken to hear the sad news of Donna passing, my gym buddy.? rest in peace
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time