Obituary

PIPA, Donna Alice
February 22, 1957 – Myrnam Alberta – April 27, 2017 – Calgary Alberta

Donna passed away on April 27 at the age of 60 years. She leaves behind her husband of over 36 years, Robert John Pipa; children, Garrett (Courtney), Brendan (Stephanie), Jonathon and Matthew; brothers, Dennis (Linda), John (Mary) and Leonard (Lori); her parents-in-law, John and Anne Pipa; sisters-in-law, Linda (Terry) Bey and Judi (Vincent) Bosco; as well as many nieces and nephews. Donna is predeceased by her parents, Emil and Olga Fundytus and her siblings Diane Wilkins and Brian Fundytus.

Donna was born in Myrnam, Alberta on February 22, 1957. Growing up on the family farm, she developed the work ethic that she would carry through a very successful career and pass on to her four boys. In 1975, Donna left for Edmonton to study Pharmacy at the University of Alberta where she met her future husband Robert (John). After a residency in Toronto, she moved to Cochrane, Alberta to start her career and family.

Donna worked for many of her professional years in Calgary at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and served as President for the 1997 – 1998 term of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists. After leaving the Children’s Hospital, Donna was instrumental in the development of the electronic health record system that is in use today in Alberta. She continued this work with the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada as Project Manager for multiple projects to develop a National Pharmacy Student Education program about using digital technology and information in health. Her colleagues remember her commitment to improving student’s ability to function in the new age of digital health, and she was valued for her knowledge and experience relating to the use of electronic health records.

While in Cochrane, Donna and John raised a loving family and instilled in their children the same work ethic and kind spirit they carried with them. She provided consistent support for her children through activities such as team sports, martial arts, band practices and many others. While she attended high school and university she grew to love basketball. Donna passed on her passion for sport to her children, and could always be found in the stands watching their games. She worked hard to ensure her children had every opportunity to succeed and will be greatly missed.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Myrnam, Alberta on Thursday, May 4th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation c/o 5626 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1. To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com.

GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677.