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
Pat Laberge
Cindy Tremblay
I will always remember the ruckus you made moving into the room next door to mine in KAF ... you were the recipient of my evil stare as you woke me up. But, the stars aligned and I found a beautiful friend for my last five months in KAF and when we were both posted to Ottawa and living in Orleans and working at StarTop and then careers.
Smart, beautiful, kind ... you will be missed. We all say in the Military, we’re transitional ... we see people, hang with them ... learn to love and admire them ... move on, knowing it’s not goodbye because we’ll meet again ...
It’s still very hard to believe ... RIP Donna ... enjoy your rides up there and hug your O’s. Your sweet O’s who,,as I said was so ugly he was cute ... I’ll have you know that my BamBam finally caught a mouse, you’d always tease me about his lack of catability.
My sincerest condolences to Greg, Kyle, your Mom and all the others who loved you deeply.
Patti and Darren Verrier
Our heartfelt condolences. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Vicki and Bruce Dunsmore
Donna, you made an impression the moment you entered Vicki's POET classroom way back when. Your personality and tenacity continued throughout a stellar career, carrying you to heights that only a very few achieve. Thank you for you. You are indeed a legacy. Stand easy, CWO.
Christopher Smit
On behalf of cousins Caroline, John, and Christopher I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Greg and family.
Love Christopher
Naz
CWO Donna Smit absolutely emulated what the CAF's culture and leadership should strive to be. She was an all out badass, a strong leader and dedicated soldier.
This is an absolutely devastating and unnecessary loss. My sincere condolences.
BGen Martin Girard
So incredibly sorry about Donna. Totally understand how numbed you must be, as i recalled my feelings when we lost Gyl’s parents in a car accident while I was serving in Haiti. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family
Martin. and Gyl Girard
Wanda Gulliford
Such an unbelievable tragedy! My heart aches for Donna’s family. May you find comfort reading how much Donna was loved by so many.
Don O'Reilly
My condolences....to Donnas family..I met and knew Donna briefly while posted to Gander on two occasions. Was going through a bit of a rough time and will always remember her encouraging pep talks..which helped me lots. RIP Beautiful Soldier...God bless you
Perry Keeping
Pleasure to have known you as a co-worker and even greater pleasure to have known you as a person. RIP Donna.
My deepest condolences to Donna's family and friends. I rode with Donna a few times with the Litas and was so impressed with her kindness and competence. Gone tragically and too soon. May you rest in peace Donna.