Donna Elizabeth Spicer

Donna Elizabeth Spicer 6 October 1945 - 8 June 2025 We are saddened to announce the passing of Donna at age 79 from a rare autoimmune disease triggered by a prior cancer from years ago. Donna was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 6, 1945, the only daughter of Roy and Jean Spicer. Donna attended Chebucto School, where she played piano at school gatherings and music festivals, and was a bit of a teachers’ pet. She next attended Queen Elizabeth High School before completing a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education at Dalhousie University. During high school and university, Donna worked in the lab at Maple Leaf Dairy, where she cultivated her love of buttermilk. Donna had a long career in the Halifax School System, first as a French teacher, during which she earned her Master’s Degree in Guidance and Psychology from Mount Saint Vincent University, and then spent decades helping students as a guidance counsellor. Her excellent style had a positive impact on many students. After retiring from teaching, she couldn’t go anywhere without meeting former students, all of whom spoke very highly of her. Many of those she met said that her encouragement helped them throughout their careers and life. She remained in contact with many of her students after her retirement, even into her last years. Her next career was as successful as her first career when she became a tour guide for the cruise ships that called here. She studied her new chosen work meticulously, eventually becoming the local Titanic expert (we used to call her Encyclopedia Titanica). Her knowledge was such that she was interviewed about all things Titanic on National Public Radio in the US, she was interviewed on a German television show, and she was often requested personally by ships to do their tours, as well as by a prominent British Cabinet Minister who cannot be named. She continued guiding until she was 77, just for the joy of it. The tips she received from tourists reinforced her joy. Donna was active in her church community at St. John’s United Church in Halifax, participating in the bell choir for many years, volunteering as a Church Elder, and doing Pastoral Care visits in the community. As well as her enthusiasm and knowledge of Titanic history, Donna was well versed in Nova Scotia and Halifax history. She enjoyed her extensive collection of her prized china and teacups, and she beautified her home with flowers whenever she could. She also was also justifiably proud of her hand-crafted embroidery. Donna adored her family, and all who knew her will know of the special relationship she held with her niece Madeleine and nephew Alexander. Designated their “special aunt” by three year old Madeleine (Alex was too young to even say Aunt Donna then) and Donna lived up to that name with fervour and delight. Aunt Donna helped shape Maddy and Alex into the people they have become, with adoration and encouragement at every step; she was the first phone call after any accomplishment or heartbreak, and their loudest cheerleader. The family has lost in Donna an unwavering pillar of love and support, as well as the family historian, with her knowledge of the Cape Breton and Newfoundland family histories. Donna had a huge circle of friends, both from teaching and then from tour guiding; her kindness connected her with people easily, and she was a loyal and faithful friend. It is fair to say that nobody ever forgot Donna after spending time with her, and those friends remained loyal and in touch, bringing her comfort right into her last days, all functioning as an extended family. She was beloved as Aunt Donna to many of their children. She will be missed by all of them. Donna was predeceased by her father Harold “Roy” Spicer and her mother Donna “Jean” Spicer (née MacDonald). She is survived by her brother Dr. Finlay Spicer, his wife Johanne Gallant, cherished niece Madeleine Donna Spicer, cherished nephew Alexander Finlay Spicer, and special best friends Theresa Zukauskas, Olive Murwin, Janet Hopewell, Janis Stuthard and Judy Greenwood (her “girls”). We are all grateful for everything that her “girls” and everyone did for her, right up to her last breath. Thanks also go to the incredible nursing and medical staff of the Halifax Infirmary 8.2 who made sure that Donna was comfortable. Donna passed peacefully, surrounded by all the love and beauty that dedicated family, friends, and her care team could offer. Donna loved mayflowers, lilacs and lily-of-the-valley, which gardener Maddy brought to hospital almost daily. She also received numerous gifts of flowers from many people, which cheered her immensely. Donna would have wished that donations in her memory may be made to Souls’ Harbour or St. John’s United Church in Halifax. Donna has been cremated. Her funeral service will be 2pm Friday June 27, 2025 in Hope United Church , 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax, the reverend Rhonda Schofield presiding. The service will be live streamed at www.hopeunitedchurch.ca for those unable to attend in person.

Donna Elizabeth Spicer

October 6, 1945 - June 8, 2025