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IRENE (DONNA) MEDER
Born: Apr 19, 1940
Date of Passing: Feb 09, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryIRENE (DONNA) MEDER
Irene “Donna” Meder (nee McKillop) of Winnipeg passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the age of 85 years. She was born in Russell, Manitoba to Kenneth and Bertha McKillop on April 19, 1940.
Donna was passionate about being a nurse, educator and archivist as well as spending time with her family (especially her grandsons) and at the family cottage. She added sparkle to all her passions and pursued them selflessly.
After graduating from Viscount Alexander in Fort Garry in 1958, Donna trained as a RN at Winnipeg General Hospital (class of 61B). Later, she attained a Certificate in Adult Education (1983), and a BN (1988) and a MN (1995) from the University of Manitoba.
Donna was a nursing instructor for over 30 years, first at Winnipeg General Hospital (WGH) and then at Red River Community College. She served on numerous boards including MARN, co-chaired RRCC’s Prior Learning Assessment Committee and championed recognition of prior learning in nursing, and was a co-founder of Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment Network (MPLAN). In retirement, she was on the WGH-HSC alumni executive, took a lead role in re-establishing the WGH-HSC archives, and was granted Honourary Life Membership in the Nursing Alumni.
Donna is survived by her husband, Adolph (Lefty) of nearly 64 years; son Grant (Jocelyn) and daughter Susan; “little” brother Wayne (Micheline); sister-in-law Theresa; grandsons Michael and Ben and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends their gratitude to all who made Donna’s life better including CancerCare, the exceptional staff at HSC Women’s Hospital including Dr. Kean and all the 5th Floor staff and Dr. Hayes at the MB Clinic and Grace Hospital Emergency.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to RRC Polytech to support Nursing Students as a Tribute Gift. (please indicate Donna’s name when making the gift) (https://www.rrc.ca/fundraising /donate/) OR to the WGH-HSC Nursing Alumni (https://wghhscnursingalumni .com/donations)
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2026
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Lefty,Grant & Susan & family. We were so very saddened to hear of Donna’s passing! Someone saw her obituary in the paper & let me know and I have since passed this on to the rest of the McKillop clan in our end. Very fond memories of Donna. Patient, kind, calm, intelligent and comical. I never knew her as a nurse but I’ll bet she was a great one. Sending our love and hugs to all of you. - Posted by: Sandi & Ken Bass (nee McKillop) (Cousin) on: Feb 19, 2026
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The Winnipeg General Hospital/Health Sciences Centre Nurses Alumni Association are truly saddened to learn of Donna Meder’s recent passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Donna graduated from the Winnipeg General Hospital in the class of 1961B. She was a nurse, educator and a long standing member of the Nurses Alumni Association. She assumed many roles, including president, over many years. She was a driving force behind the redevelopment of the WGH/HSC Museum/Archives. She was awarded Honorary Life Membership in the Nursing Alumni for her outstanding service to the association and her nursing profession. The Alumni Association will miss her wise counsel and will remember her fondly as we continue to meet and address our issues in the years ahead. - Posted by: Carol Galbraith (Friendship Convener WGH/HSC Nurses Alumni Association) on: Feb 17, 2026
