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MARY “DONNA” (FORSYTH) PURNELL, beloved wife of the late Glen Rex Purnell, passed away in Cardston, Alberta on January 8, 2022 at the age of 93 years. Donna was born November 6, 1928 in Cardston, to John James Forsyth and Jennie (Heap) Forsyth as the youngest of eleven children, John "Donald" (Ruth Wilson), David Ronald "D.R." (Alice Hudson), Ava (Elmer) Jensen, Belle (Bicknell "Travers") Smith, Charles Heap (Thea Hudson), Marr (Wayne LeRoy) Draper, James "Woodrow" (Lila Caldwell), Rhea, Earnest "LaVar", and Thomas Lorenzo.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Glen, her 10 siblings including John "Donald" (Ruth Wilson), David Ronald "D.R." (Alice Hudson), Ava (Elmer) Jensen, Belle (Bicknell "Travers") Smith, Charles Heap (Thea Hudson), Marr (Wayne LeRoy) Draper, James "Woodrow" (Lila Caldwell), Rhea, Earnest "LaVar", and Thomas Lorenzo, and two great grandchildren Marguerite Spirig and Eden Purnell. Donna is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, two sisters in law, Thea Hudson Forsyth and Gail Mothersell Purnell, by two brothers in law, Jay Cooper Purnell and Francis “Reed” Purnell, as well as many well-loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
At the time of Donna's birth, John & Jennie were living on the Forsyth ranch south of Cardston, and resided there until Donna was 12 years old. From her youngest years she loved riding horses and working with her brothers on the Forsyth Ranch. Donna attended the one room Dolan school, until they moved to Cardston where she excelled in academics. After High School graduation, she worked at the Royal Bank in Cardston for two years.
On a snowy Thursday, June 16, 1949, Donna married her High School sweetheart, Glen Purnell, in the Cardston Alberta Temple. Over the next 17 years, 8 children were born; Glenna Marie (Steven) High, James Glen (Wendy Stockdale), Jennie Gay (Mark) Griffiths, David Rex (Elizabeth Edwards), Margie Kay (Sam) Memmott, Kathy Ann (Kevin) Wheeler, Linda "Sue" (Kraig) Lords, and John Donald (LuAnn Butler). They have been blessed with 46 grandchildren and 104 great grandchildren, with more on the way. Donna was surrounded by loving family and friends in her final days.
Donna was a pillar of strength to her husband, and was a wonderful wife and mother who had a strong testimony of the gospel, lived her religion and set a good example in all areas of her life. Donna did not hesitate in following the counsel of the Prophets and promptly initiated new suggestions for studying and living the gospel as soon as they were given. As the family lived in many places throughout the world, Donna always ensured that gospel principles were honored and callings magnified. Donna and Glen served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Singapore and Malaysia, and served as temple workers in Cardston, Alberta and Dallas, Texas. While living in Ottawa 1968-1971, Donna was also the recipient of an award as an Outstanding Exemplary Woman.
Donna exemplified kindness and demonstrated selfless service throughout her life. She was blessed with many talents and developed and shared them with others. An excellent seamstress, she could sew, knit, crochet, embroider, quilt, and even tat. She made hundreds of afghans and quilts and gave them to each of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and countless others. She made and donated beanie hats to hospitals for premature babies, and aprons to assisted living centers for senior residents. She organized groups to make kits for newborns and bags with school supplies for children in underdeveloped countries. Donna was a gifted teacher and taught many life skills to young and old, around the world, wherever she lived. Some additional areas of expertise that she taught throughout her life included child care and nutrition for young mothers, cooking, candy making, pattern design, clothing alterations, and a variety of handworking techniques.
Donna had a special love of music and directed and/or sang in church, choirs, temple dedications, festivals, floorshows, and other musical productions. She was privileged to sing as a member of the Singing Mothers at the 1967 Relief Society General Conference in Salt Lake City. She also taught scores of youth and adults to conduct music while living in Canada, the U.S., Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore and Malaysia.
Donna was an avid entrepreneur. She started and operated several business ventures, and was constantly involved in the family farm and ranch activities. She managed the family and the farm alone when Glen was overseas on business and government service for extended periods of time. Donna was an inspiration as she continually served others. At one time, a friend was injured and Donna went every day for months and milked his dairy herd.
Donna was a gracious lady and perpetual optimist, almost always happy and smiling, with unending gratitude and appreciation for others. Even to the very end of her life, until she could no longer speak, she always expressed gratitude to her helpers, medical staff, and everyone that came to visit her. Her family, relatives and friends honor her by following her example of faith, charity, service, positivity, and love for others.
The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 15th at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Street Chapel, Cardston. Friends may meet the family on Friday, January 14th, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Legacy Funeral Home or at the church from 10:00 - 10:45 am prior to the service. Interment in the Cardston Cemetery.
Covid Exemption Program will be in effect, proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test (within 72 hours) along with I.D. are required for the FUNERAL SERVICE
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Glen, her 10 siblings including John "Donald" (Ruth Wilson), David Ronald "D.R." (Alice Hudson), Ava (Elmer) Jensen, Belle (Bicknell "Travers") Smith, Charles Heap (Thea Hudson), Marr (Wayne LeRoy) Draper, James "Woodrow" (Lila Caldwell), Rhea, Earnest "LaVar", and Thomas Lorenzo, and two great grandchildren Marguerite Spirig and Eden Purnell. Donna is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, two sisters in law, Thea Hudson Forsyth and Gail Mothersell Purnell, by two brothers in law, Jay Cooper Purnell and Francis “Reed” Purnell, as well as many well-loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
At the time of Donna's birth, John & Jennie were living on the Forsyth ranch south of Cardston, and resided there until Donna was 12 years old. From her youngest years she loved riding horses and working with her brothers on the Forsyth Ranch. Donna attended the one room Dolan school, until they moved to Cardston where she excelled in academics. After High School graduation, she worked at the Royal Bank in Cardston for two years.
On a snowy Thursday, June 16, 1949, Donna married her High School sweetheart, Glen Purnell, in the Cardston Alberta Temple. Over the next 17 years, 8 children were born; Glenna Marie (Steven) High, James Glen (Wendy Stockdale), Jennie Gay (Mark) Griffiths, David Rex (Elizabeth Edwards), Margie Kay (Sam) Memmott, Kathy Ann (Kevin) Wheeler, Linda "Sue" (Kraig) Lords, and John Donald (LuAnn Butler). They have been blessed with 46 grandchildren and 104 great grandchildren, with more on the way. Donna was surrounded by loving family and friends in her final days.
Donna was a pillar of strength to her husband, and was a wonderful wife and mother who had a strong testimony of the gospel, lived her religion and set a good example in all areas of her life. Donna did not hesitate in following the counsel of the Prophets and promptly initiated new suggestions for studying and living the gospel as soon as they were given. As the family lived in many places throughout the world, Donna always ensured that gospel principles were honored and callings magnified. Donna and Glen served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Singapore and Malaysia, and served as temple workers in Cardston, Alberta and Dallas, Texas. While living in Ottawa 1968-1971, Donna was also the recipient of an award as an Outstanding Exemplary Woman.
Donna exemplified kindness and demonstrated selfless service throughout her life. She was blessed with many talents and developed and shared them with others. An excellent seamstress, she could sew, knit, crochet, embroider, quilt, and even tat. She made hundreds of afghans and quilts and gave them to each of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and countless others. She made and donated beanie hats to hospitals for premature babies, and aprons to assisted living centers for senior residents. She organized groups to make kits for newborns and bags with school supplies for children in underdeveloped countries. Donna was a gifted teacher and taught many life skills to young and old, around the world, wherever she lived. Some additional areas of expertise that she taught throughout her life included child care and nutrition for young mothers, cooking, candy making, pattern design, clothing alterations, and a variety of handworking techniques.
Donna had a special love of music and directed and/or sang in church, choirs, temple dedications, festivals, floorshows, and other musical productions. She was privileged to sing as a member of the Singing Mothers at the 1967 Relief Society General Conference in Salt Lake City. She also taught scores of youth and adults to conduct music while living in Canada, the U.S., Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore and Malaysia.
Donna was an avid entrepreneur. She started and operated several business ventures, and was constantly involved in the family farm and ranch activities. She managed the family and the farm alone when Glen was overseas on business and government service for extended periods of time. Donna was an inspiration as she continually served others. At one time, a friend was injured and Donna went every day for months and milked his dairy herd.
Donna was a gracious lady and perpetual optimist, almost always happy and smiling, with unending gratitude and appreciation for others. Even to the very end of her life, until she could no longer speak, she always expressed gratitude to her helpers, medical staff, and everyone that came to visit her. Her family, relatives and friends honor her by following her example of faith, charity, service, positivity, and love for others.
The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 15th at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Street Chapel, Cardston. Friends may meet the family on Friday, January 14th, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Legacy Funeral Home or at the church from 10:00 - 10:45 am prior to the service. Interment in the Cardston Cemetery.
Covid Exemption Program will be in effect, proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test (within 72 hours) along with I.D. are required for the FUNERAL SERVICE