DONNA ALEXANDER MASSON

Donna passed away at home in her sleep on January 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and quiet devotion to others. She lived a life rooted deeply in her Christian faith, which guided her values, her compassion, and her service to those around her.

She is predeceased by her father James Masson (1966), her mother Eileen (nee Strachan, 1972), sister Barbara Chatterley (2015), and cousins Ross and Doug Strachan.

Donna was a devoted mother to her beloved son, Douglas (Pamela), who was the pride and joy of her life. She is lovingly remembered by her former husband Dennis Fedorowich, two beautiful granddaughters, Lylah and Penelopi, nieces Catherine Chatterley (Cynthia) and Allison Chatterley-Gonzalez (Hyalmar, Hyalmar Jr., Elena), brother-in-law Donald Chatterley, cousins Bruce Strachan (BC) and Gord and Carol Strachan (Ontario), numerous nieces and nephews, and dear lifelong friends.

Donna was born in Winnipeg on May 16, 1949, and grew up in Riverview. She and her sister spent summers in Calgary with their cousins and maternal grandparents enjoying the scenery in Banff and the surrounding countryside. Donna loved music and enjoyed singing in the Winnipeg Girl’s Choir throughout high school and later with the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir. In 1977, she married Dennis Fedorowich and spent six happy years in Edmonton where she completed a Master of Library Science degree at the University of Alberta, returning to Winnipeg in 1983.

Douglas was born in 1990 and was the best surprise ever for Donna and Dennis. The family spent many happy hours at the Redpath’s farm outside Mather, MB, and at the Mitchell’s cottage at Winnipeg Beach. Later, Douglas spent summers with his cousins at their home in Stonewall.

A passionate lover of knowledge and learning, Donna dedicated her professional life to librarianship and literacy. She served with distinction at the Winnipeg Public Library, the University of Winnipeg Library, and at the Education Library and Elizabeth Dafoe Library at the University of Manitoba, where she was known for her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for students and colleagues alike. Through her work as a librarian, and, later, as an English tutor at Kaakiyow Adult Learning Centre, she quietly enriched countless lives by nurturing curiosity, learning, and access to knowledge. She learned a lot from her students as they pursued their academic and life goals.

Donna loved reading, music, going to the beach, talking about history and politics, taking care of her granddaughters, and was a deeply faithful person. She was an active part of the prayer team in her congregation at St. Ignatius Church for many years. This work allowed Donna to help bring God’s profound peace and healing into the lives of others. Above all, Donna will be remembered for her kind spirit, her unwavering faith, and her thoughtful presence. She touched the lives of family, friends, and all who knew her with dedication, love, and humility.

A funeral service will be held at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford Street, Winnipeg on Saturday, January 17 at 12:30pm.  

 In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations may be made in Donna’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.