Donna Wells (Smith-Doucette)

It is with great sadness that the family of Donna Wells of Quispamsis, NB, announce her passing on January 24, 2026, at Bobby’s Hospice with her family by her side. Donna was born in Newcastle, NB on June 30, 1958, to the late Evelyn Jennie Melanson (Nee. Campbell) and Ernest Doucette.

Donna grew up in Saint John where she lived most of her life until her later years when she moved to join her children in Moncton and then Langley, BC, before moving back to live out her last years in Quispamsis, NB.

Donna loved her family and friends and will be so deeply missed by them. She worked at the West Side No Frills dating back to when it was the Village Food Store, then Super Value before becoming No Frills. For years she loved her customers, and they loved her right back. She was always the happy cashier that always told the customer to “Have a happy day”. While living in Moncton, she worked for Tim Hortons and at Walmart when she lived in Langley. She loved working in customer service and retired from Atlantic Superstore in Rothesay in July 2023.

Donna loved to garden and play Friday night cards at Bert and Cyndi’s (until Cyndi’s passing in September 2025). She loved Mickey Mouse and could never have enough Mickey shirts or anything Mickey. She loved hockey and was a true Habs fan and loved to get into the hockey rival in fun against the make me laughs fans or the booruins fans! And would always give them a GO HABS GO!!

She loved Christmas and the countdown was always on for when she could start to decorate, but never before Remembrance Day, and not an area was left out. She also enjoyed a Sunday dinner with her family and was always someone you could count on as a friend and was always there and willing to listen and give advice.

Cancer came for Donna, but she never bowed and gave cancer a fight, never allowing it to take her joy, peace and positivity. She was a warrior until her last breath. Before her passing, Donna loved trips to Sea Street to watch the Ocean, the bigger the waves the bigger the excitement. She had also found a new comfort in the Christian community and Jesus in the months leading to her passing. She loved to attend Celebrate Recovery at Kings Church KV when she was able.

Donna leaves behind and will be deeply missed by her daughter Shelley (John) Gowlett of Bloomfield; son J.R. Smith of Saint John; grandchildren Cheyenne Forgrave-Gowlett of Bloomfield, Jakob Watson of Alberta, Jordan Smith of Fredericton, Parker Richard of Sussex, Catherine Knodell, Sebastien Godin, Khloe Godin, Addison Smith, Oakley Smith, Willow Smith, and Monica Bell, all of Saint John; great granddaughter Ava Garland of Saint John; Brothers Ernie (Susan) Doucette of Quispamsis, David (Veronica) Doucette of Saint John; Sisters Gail Melanson, Joan Doucette, both of Saint John, Ann Cox of Quispamsis and Shirley Doucette of Ontario; Aunt Shirley McKiver; Uncle Gordie (June) Campbell of Saint John; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Beside her parents, Donna was predeceased by her husband John Wells; Stepfather Michael Melanson; Brother Eddie Doucette; Grandson Easton Smith; Sister-in-law Carol Doucette; Godparents Jake and Lizzy Davis; Cousin and close friend Cyndi Campbell.

Donna’s family would like to thank Chaplin Donne Foster for being there and guiding her spiritually. Tom and Angie Daly for all your love and support every step of the way, we truly appreciate and love you (Angie, give Tom a pinch for Mom). Guardian Drugs in Hampton for being so helpful when we had questions regarding moms medication. Extra-mural KV especially her nurse Jenn for her exceptional care of Mom. Home care worker Jolynn, you became family. Bobby’s Hospice, each and every staff member, the love and care you gave mom is something we will never forget. From cooking her favorite meal to making her dream of meeting Mickey Mouse come true. The compassion we were given will always be deeply engraved in our hearts; you are all angels on earth.  Dr. Hemmings, Dr. Mackin and Dr. Love as well as Dr. Grey and Dr. Sandford, thank you all for your exceptional care of mom during her courageous battle, each one of you made it easier to get through this journey.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Street, Saint John, NB, E2J 2G3; (506)646-2424; Visitation will take place on Friday, January 30th, 2026 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm. A funeral service will be held in the Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at 11am. Burial will be held at a later date. For those wishing to honor Donna’s memory, donation can me made to Bobby’s Hospice or to Kings Church Valley Celebrate Recovery.