Obituary of Donna Gayle Walz

WALZ - Donna Gayle (nee Tabor)-After a long and courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma, with her loving family by her side, we sadly announce the passing of Gayle Walz on October 22, 2009 at the St. Catharines General Hospital. Beloved wife for 51 years to Albert, loving mom to Donna (Rob Houston) and doting grandma to Spencer and Carson Houston.Gayle is survived by her brother Tom (Linda) and their children Brian and Karen; sister Carol York and her children Terrilee and Steven; sister Roberta Magarrell and her children James Jr., Jeffrey, Robert, and David, sister-in-law Mary-Ann Tabor, daughters Cheryl and Kelly and sister-in-law Shirley Cooke and her son Paul. She is also survived by numerous cousins, great nieces, great nephews and other relatives. She is predeceased by her father, Gord Tabor; mother Anita Tabor, and brother Wil Tabor. Gayle was born, raised and educated in Fort William Ontario (Thunder Bay). She attended Francis Street School, Selkirk Vocational and then went on to be an RNA at the McKellar General Hospital where she worked until the birth of their daughter. On August 8, 1958, Gayle married Albert Walz and they had one daughter Donna. Gayle was Miss CKPR for the local Thunder Bay Radio Station for a number of years before she and her family moved to St. Catharines Ontario in 1976. Gayle was very artistic and was known for her knitting, crocheting, pettit points and needle points. Once she was in St. Catharines she began to paint with oils and then moved on to acrylics and folk-art. This latest talent proved to be a successful one as three years ago; she was commissioned to paint Christmas Cards. Gayle wore her heart on her sleeve, she loved and cared for all that she met, none more than her immediate family. A special thank you to the wonderful care and compassion of Dr. Samosh, his nurses and staff in oncology, they are tremendous. Also Dr. Nancy Fung and her nurse Cheryl - thank you for everything. Gayle is resting at George Darte Funeral Chapel, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines. The family will receive visitors on Sunday from 4p.m. - 7p.m. A Funeral Service and Celebration of Gayle's life will take place on Monday at 1p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Dwayne Ketcheson officiating. Interment to follow at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma (Myeloma) Society of Ontario or to a charity of your choice. "Mothers hold their children's hands for just a little while...And their hearts forever. I love you mom and miss you already!" On-Line Guest Book - www.dartefuneralhome.com