Obituary of Donna Kizlyk

Celebrating The Life Of Donna Kizlyk

Donna Elizabeth Kizlyk was born on December 5, 1952 to Helen (Fox) and Ray Van Zandt  in Kelowna, British Columbia. Donna was the oldest of four children in the Van Zandt family. She attended school in Princeton, B.C. After graduating from grade 12, Donna worked on a fishing boat in Prince Rupert and various jobs in Vancouver, B.C. She completed a secretarial course in Kelowna, B.C. and then headed East to Saskatchewan, to be closer to family, working in North Battleford, SK. Donna worked in the office, in the customer service department for Sasktel for 15 years in Prince Albert, Swift Current, Weyburn and Regina. She then began a 25 year career with SaskPower, in the office and then as a meter reader, retiring in 2016.

Donna met Don Kizlyk at Maureen Lake, on a blind date, and it was a dark night. They were  perfectly matched, allowing each other to be themselves. On July 12, 1987, Donna and Don married at Lower Nicola, British Columbia, while on a vacation. The scenery was beautiful, the poppies were 5 feet high and the blossoms the size of cantaloupe. After they married, they lived in Regina, SK, Donna working at Sasktel Yellow Pages and Don at Degelman.  Donna and Don moved to the farm near Fosston, SK eventually building a new home, where they remained until her passing. They liked to travel and went to Prince Rupert, The Big Muddy, Dawson City, Yukon travelling throughout Northern Saskatchewan and Western Canada. Donna and Don travelled once to Cuba in December, she was so happy to spend time in a warm climate for her birthday. Donna really enjoyed seeing different countrysides. She would take a different route every time. Donna especially liked exploring with her sister Linda while they were on a road trip together and camping.

Donna and Don began D&D Market Gardens in 1995, growing 13 acres of various vegetables, 10 varieties of cabbage and sometimes 15,000 heads of cabbage, plus 8,000 hills of potatoes as well as carrots, onions, garlic. They also sustained Wild Hay and wild habitats with their remaining 480 acres. Donna was very astute with accounting practices, doing the books for D&D Market Gardens.

Donna and Don were active in the organic community since 1998 as board members of Chapter 5 and as members of the North East Local Food Association. Donna sat on the Board of OCIA Canada R7E and on the board of The Farmer’s Table. She promoted organic food where ever she went. Donna and Don also assisted their good friends, the Marquettes when they began their Market Gardens. Donna enjoyed attending the Pipestone Men’s Choir, where Don was a member. She was also on a T.V. show, Dining With The Stars, where organic food was featured with famous chefs. Donna and Don were pleased that the Chef at Hotel Saskatchewan wanted to reserve “product” for the Royal Family Visit and were even more pleased when the Chef was pleased with the delivery.

Donna grew up in the Catholic faith, baptized and confirmed in her faith.  Donna, while living in the Fosston District, volunteered on the board of the church as the Secretary and Treasurer for a few years. She was meticulous and precise with her accounting practices.

Donna liked to read and could finish a book in 3 hours. In her personal library, she had many genres in her 2,000 book collection. Donna often researched family histories,  learning about different people, their connections and relationships. She was never idle. Donna played computer games, watched movies, documentaries including serial and crime episodes.

Donna treasured the company and comfort from Princess, her 21 year old cat, who at times seemed to be bossy, not wanting Donna to pay attention to anyone or anything else.

Donna is survived by her: husband Don Kizlyk; siblings – Jackie (John Haayer) Cromarty of Princeton, B.C., Linda (Bob) Johnson of Brooks, AB, Kathleen (David) Warburton of Summerland, B.C.; nieces and nephews – Samantha, Shayne, Sonya, Erik, Nicole, Nicholas  and Andrew; in-law family – Linda (Barry) Spray, Janis Kizlyk, Ina (Darwin) Hoffman and Sadie Elliot; nephews - Frankie, Zack, Christopher, Kevin and Benjamin; uncle Ken (Dianne) Fox; in-law uncle Elis Danko as well as many cousins and extended family.

Donna was predeceased by her: parents Helen and Ray Van Zandt; in-law parents Anne and Wasyl (Bill) Kizlyk; brother-in-law Jerry Kizlyk; sister-in-law Laurie Kizlyk; nephew Lee Hoffman, as well as many aunts, uncles and extended family.
 

Prayers

7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Chapel Of Narfason’s

Narfason’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium

Wadena, SK
 

Celebration Of Life

10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Chapel Of Narfason’s

Narfason’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium

Wadena, SK
 

Those wishing to send cards

of caring & sympathy may send them to

The Family of Donna Kizlyk

P.O. Box 78

Fosston, SK S0E 0V0

 

Donations in memory of Donna

may be made to

Kinsmen Foundation/TeleMiracle

or

Diabetes Canada

or

Canadian Cancer Society