April 23, 1934 – January 11, 2026
It is with very heavy hearts that we had to say goodbye to the matriarch of our family, Donna Delvecchio in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 11th, 2026, at Hogarth Riverview Manor, Spruce Grove.
Donna was born and raised in Port Arthur and attended Prospect Public School, Hillcrest High School and completed her education at King’s Business College. After working as a secretary for a few insurance companies, she then ventured to the City Clerk’s Office where she then noticed an internal bulletin asking for applications to join the City’s Police Force. Donna was always in search of a more meaningful and exciting career for herself. Not only did she find that career, but with much determination and strong will, she became a pioneering figure trailblazing the way for women as the first female police constable in the Lakehead. She was hired by the Port Arthur Police Department on December 19, 1957. She followed the path of her grandfather Richard Nichols who was appointed to the Port Arthur Police Force as night constable in 1874. After 10 years in that position, he was then advanced to the rank of sergeant. In 1886 Donna’s grandfather was then made the Chief of Police and served for another 20 years.
In 1984 Donna received the Exemplary Service Medal and in the late eighties continuing her trailblazing for women in the police force she became the first female Staff Sergeant in Ontario. She made many friends & co-workers on the force, but there was one constable, Terry Wolnik who she always referred to as her “Little Pollock” that she mentored and took under her wing. Up until her last breath they had remained good friends and were catching up long distance. Donna retired from the force on January 31, 1991, and is frequently honored by the Thunder Bay Police Services on National Policewomen’s Day.
Early in her working days she married and had her daughter Judy. Later, she met the love of her life Joe Delvecchio and they married in 1968. Their love for the water took them from the shores of Lake Superior – Bay’s End to the shores of Napili Shores in Maui where they retired for over 30 years. When Joe could no longer travel to Maui they built their forever home at Bay’s End. They had a family of friends at the lake who meant so much to them. When Joe passed away in 2008 that fierce determination of Donna’s kicked in again where she decided to continue to live on her terms at the lake.
In the summers you would find Donna outside tending her gardens, keeping the grass cut to precision while driving the riding lawnmower with the promise of an ice-cold beverage and possibly a neighbor stopping by to join her. In the winter months again outside bundled up controlling her huge walking snow blower to clear the driveway all the while wearing her “winter” crocks which Judy always scolded to a deaf ear about how unsafe they were. Close besties at Bay’s End were often together sharing a glass of wine or scotch were Percy/Fran Pilatzke, Stella/Joe Stakiw, Brenda/Dave Diebel, Mac/Wilma Tamblyn, and Marlene Delorenzi. They didn’t need an excuse to get together! Mom also had a huge family of friends that her and Joe met over the years while wintering in Maui and she kept in contact with them over the years. Many weekends throughout the years the family always enjoyed dinners, welcoming new great grandchildren into the family and birthdays – always a happy and sometimes loud gathering! Donna always had many fur babies throughout the years to keep her company. Her pups always ruled the roost, but she dearly loved each and every one of them regardless of how stubborn they were for her. Her latest pup, Marley, made many visits to see mom after her unfortunate stroke which made Donna very happy, we are most grateful to Sophia Ambrose for taking on the responsibility of now parenting Marley!
Donna was predeceased by her loving husband Joe Delvecchio, parents, Michael and Mabel Charnesky, stepfather George Murphy, brother Jim Charnesky, and father/mother-in-law Tony and Loretta Delvecchio.
Donna leaves behind her daughter Judy (Gary) Bates, granddaughter Krista Bates (John Paterson) grandson, Ryan Bates (Marissa Stajkowski), grandson Taylor (Michale) Bates. Great granddaughters Madeline Paterson, Scotlyn and Emery Bates. Brother-in-law Rocco Delvecchio and family, sister-in-law Sharon Charnesky (McKinnon) and niece Donna Mabel Charnesky (of Toronto).
The family would like to extend their most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Karlene Gleason, Kylie Anderson (nurse manager), especially PSW’s – Shelley Hoier, Bonnie Hari, Michelle Kucbel, RN’s/RNP’s Janet Okyere and Wella Del Ladrido and all the other amazing staff that touched my mother’s heart throughout her five-year journey on Spruce Grove. Your care and compassion will never be forgotten.
Celebration of Donna’s life will take place on Friday, January 23rd at 1:00 pm in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 North Court Street. In lieu of flowers those wishing to honor her memory are invited to donate to Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Foundation or Northern Cancer Care.
Online condolences may be made to www.sargentandson.com
