SMITH, Donna Maude - Born November 5, 1960 in the lobby of the Shelburne Hospital, Donna came into this world in a hurry. From that moment on the world was a brighter place. She was called home the early morning hours of Sunday, November 23, 2014 at the QEII surrounded by her close family after a brief but courageous battle with brain cancer. Survived by her husband, Jonathan Smith, daughter Brandi, son-in-law Kris Hitchens; Hammonds Plains, son George Nickerson and daughter- in-law Satyn, Barrington; Samantha (Andy) Nickerson, Beaverdam; whom she considered one of her own, grandson Brody, granddaughters Hannah and Meeah, brother Leslie (Donna) Nickerson; Yarmouth, sister Lillian (Guy) Nickerson; Woods Harbour, father Walter Nickerson, Baccaro; several nieces and nephews that were loved also like grandchildren. Predeceased by mother Marion Joyce Nickerson (Perry), brother Leland and niece Tara-leah. Donna’s greatest accomplish-ments including going back to school to complete her high school education, graduating from NSCC with her Personal Care Worker course, and her employment with Tidal View Manor, Yarmouth, years as a clerk at Crowell’s Store, job placement at Little People’s Place, and most recently a clerk at Petro Canada, winning first place ribbons for her famous cookies, and becoming a grandmother. Donna had the opportunity to travel to see the Panama Canal with her daughter’s family and friends. She also provided cleaning services for two local businesses for many years. Former member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and ladies Aux. for the Barrington Passage Fire Dept. and canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society. Donna always had time for everyone. She put others first, and was the first to help those in need of support or fundraise for various charities and for anyone in need. She cared for mother during her lengthy illness, and was a very selfless person. Her needs were few. Donna had a heart of gold, loved everyone, and wanted nothing from life except the health and happiness of her loved ones. Her favorite pastimes included playing bingo, time at their cottage in Pleasantfield with friends, hunting, darts, and racing. Donna enjoyed baking for friends and family helping with her grandchildren. Her home, nicknamed “The Do Drop Inn”, was always open for company, with baked goods on the counter, and the kettle on for tea, another favorite of Donna’s. Donna knew that beauty is on the inside, and told her children it's not what you wear, or what you have, that matters but how you made others feel. Mom you made us feel "Like a million bucks". The family would like to send sincere thanks to Dr. Baker for getting her in to see neuro in Halifax so fast, Dr. Walling for her consult, RN Karen Vickers for your advice and support to mom while in the hospital and answering questions afterwards, Dr. Shawn Barry who operated on mom, Dr. Cosh at the ER in Liverpool, Dr. Shawn Macdonald who was at the QEII Emerg and helped the family with some difficult news, nurse Shelley from palliative care for your kindness and care towards mom in her final hours, the nurse who did CPR on mom for hours, the EHS staff on call that fateful night, and finally the Greenfield Volunteer Fire Dept. who was first on the scene for both of moms seizures. You are the best. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. There will be no service at her request. Donna graciously donated her brain tissue to the Maritime Brain Tissue Bank at Dalhousie University, so that others may learn about this terrible disease and to assist in research efforts around the world, in hopes of finding a cure. Cremation has taken place in trust to Huskilson's Funeral Home, Barrington. Donations may be made to the Rosalin Nickerson “Care” Fund. Donna believed life was for the living, and not to mourn when she was gone, but to celebrate her life. To honour her wishes, a memorial will be held early in the New Year at the Woods Harbour community centre. Poem: I hide my tears when I say your name, but the pain in my heart is still the same. Although I smile and seem care free, there is no one who misses you more than me. Online condolences may be sent to: huskilson@ns.aliantzinc.ca or you may sign the guest book at www.huskilson.net