Donna Jean Frayn

It is with heartfelt sorrow that the family of Donna Frayn, our beloved mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, announce her sudden passing at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the age of 83 years.

Donna was born and raised in Lethbridge, AB to Hattie and James Clelland and was the middle child of three. She grew up in a loving family with her siblings Bill and Lynda, who all enjoyed music, sports, camping and hiking in Waterton with neighborhood friends. Donna’s life was defined by her devotion to her family, her sincere kindness for others and carried the warmth of the sun in her smile.

Donna married Gordon Frayn on July 1, 1971 where they built a life together and focused their lives on their children and later grandchildren. Donna sacrificed endlessly and often had two jobs and sold her crafts to ensure her children stayed active in sports as they grew up and would not miss out on opportunities. She continued this devotion and support over the years as she became the grandchildren’s biggest fans at their sporting events.

Donna retired in March 2023 after working for 48 years with Alberta Health Services. She worked at the St. Micheals General Hospital, the Chinook Regional Hospital and a brief stint at the Taber Hospital as a Unit clerk in various departments including admitting, emergency, orthopedic surgery and outpatients. Donna was a hard worker, loved helping others, was very social and cherished the relationships she built with her work colleagues; many she remained close friends with.

Donna was also very creative and spent her life teaching and making ceramics, quilting, knitting and making crochet Knick knacks. Donna took some home decorating courses, loved crafts of various kinds and later took on several business ventures over the years, opening a wicker and craft store called ‘A touch of Earth’, later becoming a flower shop and continued making crafts, gifts, diamond dots pictures and wood creations until her passing. She was an avid gardener who had a deep connection with the earth, and all things that grew from it and spent her whole life creating home décor for all the children and grandchildren’s homes. Her joy was spending time with family and grandchildren, and she was so proud of their accomplishments. She enjoyed travelling and the outdoors, especially to New York, Washington, British Columbia, Waterton and anywhere there was water and mountains.

Donna will be lovingly remembered by her children Kurt (Karen) Hoppman-Frayn of Carmel, New York, USA, her daughters Lana (Russell) Benson of Lethbridge, AB and Karla Trimble (Gord McDonald) of Taber, AB. She was a devoted grandmother to Kaitlyn (Wyatt) Mallia, Jay-Ryan Frayn, Brendon and Alyssa Benson, Jordan (Heather) Trimble, Tiana Trimble (Tory), Jessica (Jordan)Herbst, Allie Trimble, great grandchildren Halie and Max. She was also survived by her brother Bill (Shirley) Clelland, their children James Clelland, Cheryl (Clayton) Caufield, Shaun (mike) Bernard, Steven (Bobbie) Clelland, Brett (Brooke) Clelland, Chad (Sheriann) Clelland, Ashley and Kimberly Clelland and Donna’s youngest sister Lynda Clelland and numerous cousins, great nieces and great nephews. Donna was predeceased by her husband Gordon Frayn and parents Hattie (McNeely) and James Clelland.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Amatto for the many years of excellent medical care for Donna, Dr. Saleh and the staff on 3B at the Chinook Regional Hospital who provided endless support until her passing.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge in the Cedar Ballroom.

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