Date of death: April 12, 2026
Live funeral feed here: www.mgxproductions.com/stream/DonnaChaimowitz/
Hamilton, Ontario – Beautiful, brilliant, tough, hilarious, superheroically strong, profane, determined, kind and most generous Donna.
Known to some as Hamilton Girl, she was born here to James and Carmel. She grew up on Erie Ave and attended nursing school at St Joseph’s. She went on to spend 51 devoted years in the Emergency Department there, teaching the rest of us what true professionalism and kindness looks like. She was brilliant and always practical, caring and intolerant of nonsense; she was a legend in the hospital who shaped the careers and personalities of many nurses and doctors she worked with.
Survived by her husband, Gary; sister, Linda; daughter, Lauren; and son-in-law, Dave; and granddaughters, Ida and Sybil. Dear cousin Danny (Laurie). Nieces and nephews Jonas (Ria), Mark (Brittany), Elena (Dan), Sarah, Ruth, Hannah, Adam, Samantha, Candace, Justin and Daniel.
She loved her job, her friends, a chat (especially one that kept her an hour late after shift), the gym, her garden, and dressing better than the rest of us. But most of all her family, for whom she would do anything, and in particular her beloved granddaughters Ida and Sybil.
Deepest appreciation to the ICU team at St Joes for guiding us through her last days – Drs Lewis, Soth and Forestell, and most especially Dr Andrew Healey. Our profound gratitude for the incredible compassionate care provided by nursing staff and RTs, porters and EAs.
Service on Tuesday, April 14th at 11 a.m., United Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Followed by interment at Temple Anshe Sholom Cemetery, Limeridge Rd. Shiva at the family home Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
In memory of Donna’s generous spirit, donations to any charity of your choice.
Dear Gary
We were very sorry to hear the news.
It sounds like she had a great life, well lived.
Wishing you and your family long life.
May Donna’s memory be for a blessing.
Dear Gary and family,
I am deeply shocked and heartbroken to hear about your loss. Donna was a remarkable person who has been a part of my life for what feels like an eternity. From the very first day I met her, she exuded an incredible energy and warmth that was palpable. Her kindness was unparalleled, and her passion for nursing was truly inspiring.
As a fellow nurse, I have always held her in high regard, not only for her professional skills but also for her unwavering dedication to her patients. She had this unique ability to connect with everyone she met, making them feel valued and understood.
It’s hard to imagine a world without her vibrant spirit. She was truly one of a kind, and her absence will be felt profoundly by all who knew her. I sincerely hope that in this difficult time, the joyful memories you shared with her can provide some comfort and solace as you navigate through your grief.
Gary and family. So sorry for your loss. I, and everyone else, had the greatest respect for Donna. She was a wonderful nurse but more importantly, a truly great person. We shared many laughs over the years through the workplace.
May her memory be a blessing to you.
Cindy and Mark Nicholls
Ah Mary Catherine my thoughts exactly when reading this wonderful remarks although not regarding volleyball! Donna was a tough, wise ,smart and kind cookie as a young girl wandering the halls of Cathedral Girls and who is surprised that she forged a career as a champion and leader guiding and directing the orchestra in the ER at St Joe’s? Not those of us who knew her spirited young self.I send my condolences to her family of course, and to Linda whom I know is broken hearted and missing her sister.She was always kind and fun loving . I am sad that her journey on this earth is over too soon. RIP
Sending my thoughts n prayers to use all including the staff at emerg,I worked as housekeeping in er and donna was always kind n friendly with everyone who did there job and had a kind heart like herself! The family bond i seen every night walking into work with emerg staff was absolutely heart warming and it made coming into work that much better. Thank u donna and the rest of emerg staff for loving arms and a kind heart! Fly high beautiful lady!!!
May her memory always be a blessing
To the Chaimowitz family I offer my condolences to all of you. May her memory last forever. Take care of yourself Gary
Gary, my sincere condolences to you and all of Donna’s family. I was concerned when I did not see her this past week and am so saddened to hear of her passing. I will truly miss our chats after workouts at the gym. She was always so kind and funny. I first met Donna over 30 yrs ago when bringing patients into the St. Joe’s ER. She had such a “no nonsense” take charge attitude, while at the same time showing true caring and compassion. Many years after I retired, I would ask Donna when she planned to retire and she would just laugh it off. I sometimes feel she cared more about others than herself, and so really loved and was proud of her long career as a nurse. I am left inspired by her work ethic, compassion and her determination to fight to the very end. RIP Donna. You will be missed by many.
Family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Donna brought so much joy, love and laughter especially when we needed it the most. She will be in my heart and prayers forever. With lover your cousin Denise and Barry.
God Bless xox
So sorry for your loss. Donna was a great person,she always had time to listen and offer advice. Loved working with her for 17 years in the E.R.
Tina Jackson Beemer
Dear Gary,
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
Oh Gary and Lauren. I was so sorry to hear that Donna passed. I have so many memories of her…..from the day I met her (and you Lauren) at a Forensic Conference in the Muskokas to her leading the charge into EPT when during my first week I unknowingly set of off the panic button to walking through the red light district in Ansterdam with Gary, Lauren, and Donna to using up the &%$#÷@ Christmas plates late into a Forensic party in the Chaimowitz home. Amanda Parent and I never did know when to leave. She was spicy, caring and kind. I wish Milinda Alexander had been able to arrange for us to have dinner when I was home in December. I wish I didn’t live so far away. May your memories keep you smiling through you tears. All my love Sue
Donna was an absolute pillar of the ER department at St. Joe’s. As a Building Services employee of the hospital, whenever any maintenance was required, she was always so respectful, down to earth and greeted everyone with a smile and a joke tell. Sending my heartfelt condolences to all the family and all that knew her.
Donna started out as my colleague. She taught me many things. However, more importantly we became friends out of work. We did many things together. We went on walk/runs together, went to the gym together, and had many other enjoyable activities. I would ask Donna for advice about a large range of things. She was always willing and able to guide me.
We even had bilateral bunion surgery together on the same day. Performed by Dr Lou Saunders. Of course we had many laughs during our recovery.
I can’t begin to tell you all how much I will miss my friend.
Gary and Lauren and family you have become part of me through Donna,, I truly appreciate that.
My condolences to Gary and all of the family, who have lost a bright and dynamic star. She was a quintessential St. Josephs person, with amazing drive and personality and oh so much wisdom and experience to draw upon. She and I would run into each other periodically in the hospital corridors and I always left the encounter feeling uplifted. She will be greatly missed and not forgotten…. Janet Farrrell
I was blessed to met Donna almost 40 years ago while I was working EMS in Hamilton. Over the years we laughed, shared gym time and talked about her children and her grandchildren. I bugged her for years to retire, she always said ….soon….soon…For years she would come to my classes at Goodlife, what great memories.
She would make my day, when I would bring a patient into the emergency room when she was working. She also cared for me during two of my St. Joes E/R visits. She was a gem and not many like her. My deepest sympathies to the entire family, please know she was a blessing.
I was so privileged to know Donna, enjoy walks and coffee chats occasionally. She was a best friend to my sister, Penny, and so vibrant and fun, she always had us laughing. She sometimes passed along clothing she had grown tired of and for me they were the most wonderful treasures. She was so stylish and bold. A truly one of a kind soul. To Gary, Lauren and Linda and your families…it certainly feels unfair to lose this amazing person and who can know the answer to why things happen the way they do. Donna showed us all how to live, how to be strong and resilient, and how to go gently into the night. I will never forget her and hope that your memories of her will be a comfort. You were so blessed to have her in your world.
Dear Gary and family,
I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Donna. She was legend! Thinking of you all in this difficult time.
Donna was single-handedly an institution. No BS, smart, tough as nails, funny, & supportive when you really needed her. Over many years seeing patients in the SJHH ED, she guided me, had my back, made me laugh, and kept me in line. She will be deeply missed and her legacy will live large in so many hearts and minds. Sending deepest condolences to her family and close friends.
Dear Gary and family.
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Donna,
May the memories you have of her help you get through the difficult days. .
I’ve loved reading the tributes here because they speak of a professional Donna that I never really knew. I knew the earlier Donna McKenzie who was in my class at Cathedral Girls—yet it sounds like she never changed—the strong Erie Avenue influence, I guess. The smart-ass, mischievous, soft-hearted CANUSA Volleyball-playing friend of my youth!! My sincere condolences to Lauren and Dr. Gary. The ground under your feet must be unsteady indeed.