Tribute

With heavy hearts, we announce that Donna Wyn Kopp went peacefully to be with the Lord on February 6, 2022, at home, surrounded by her family on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  She was born January 29, 1950, to Gordon and Winifred Grieve in Selkirk, Manitoba, the second youngest and only girl in a family of five siblings.  The family moved West in the early 1950s and settled in North Burnaby, where Donna grew up with four brothers whom she loved dearly.  Donna spent most of her working days at Safeway where she met her loving husband, Victor. They lived  in Calgary for a few years, then went on to live in Burnaby where they raised their three beloved children.
One of Donna’s greatest loves was thoroughbred horse racing. That passion led Victor and Donna to buy a farm in Aldergrove with the purpose of breeding. The horses brought Donna great joy, and, on many occasions, you would find her “sleeves up” in the barn helping a mare deliver its foal. Donna had great fun at Hastings Park watching her horses run. One of the proudest moments for Donna and Victor came when their horse, Rainer County, won the Fair Lady Stakes Race.
Donna spent many years hosting exchange students. She welcomed each like a member of the family. They loved her so much that they called her “Mama Kopp.” Donna delighted in showing them our beautiful city and introducing them to the Canadian way of life.  Donna followed in the entrepreneurial footsteps of her late mother, who owned a restaurant. She and her daughter opened a neighbourhood cafe, Trendz Coffee House. Donna made sure that the cafe was an extension of her home, and each customer and employee was treated like family.
Donna was a devoted member of South Langley Church, and it was there that she was baptized. She loved her church and the people in it, forming many lasting friendships there. Donna was generous with her time and quick to lend a hand whenever and wherever there was a need. She accompanied the church on an unforgettable mission to Mexico — an experience that impacted her deeply.
Although Donna was blessed to have travelled around the world, it was being at home surrounded by family that made her happiest. Preparing meals for family and friends brought her so much joy. Nana dazzled us with cakes, pies and all kinds of sweet treats that she baked. She always vowed to have “just a smidge”.  A few of her other hobbies included painting, golfing, and especially tending to her beautiful rose bushes.
Donna was a vibrant, thoughtful, caring, strong-willed, generous lady. She was always up for a good time and her infectious laugh will be missed by all. She made many dear friendships over the years and held each one close to her heart.
During Donna’s three-year journey with cancer, she put her trust in God. She had such a peace that surpassed understanding. Her unwavering faith was an inspiration to those who loved her.
Asked in the days before she passed what Donna was most proud of, without hesitation she said her family. Nana adored her children, grand-children, and great grand-children. They brought so much joy to her life, as she did to theirs.  Donna will be greatly missed by her devoted husband Victor, and her children, Tasha and her husband Chris, Victor (late wife Shirley), Jason, and chosen daughter, Joely.  She is also survived by grandchildren Rachel, Christopher and his wife Ryleigh, Joshua and Izabelle and great-grandchildren Melyssa, Ryder and Elias.  Donna leaves her four brothers, Dwight and his wife Donna, Larry, Blaine, Greg and his wife Gloria, and many other family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday April 2,2022 at South Langley Church, 20098 22 Avenue, Langley B.C.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Youth Unlimited at https://www.youthunlimited.com/donate in Donna’s memory.