Donna Arlene Whitney

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Donna Arlene Whitney (Tobias) on October 25th, 2025, at 08:15 am at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born on August 22nd, 1939, in Saint John NB, she was the daughter of the late Charles James Tobias and Christina Tobias (Kyle). Donna fought a long hard battle with Alzheimer's disease for almost 8 years.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 64 years: Marven Whitney; her children: Leslie Whitney (Eleanor) of Vancouver BC, Cheryl Donnelly (Thierry) of Saint John N.B., and Kimberly Leveque (Irvine) of Saint John N.B.; her 5 grandchildren: Tracey Donnelly (Chris), Tara Donnelly (Patrick), Shawn Leveque, (Meagan), Andrew Leveque, and Mathew Donnelly (Meagan); her 14 great-grandchildren; sisters: Shirley Nash, and Carmel Richard; brothers: Richard Tobias (Ann) and Donald Tobias (Lynn); and sister-in-law: Norma Case (Larry); as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins. Donna will also be sadly missed by her best friend of almost 80 years Louise Scott. Besides her parents, her father James Tobias, mother Christina Tobias, Donna was predeceased by her sisters Geraldine Logan, Doreen Tobias and Barbara McCutchen (Tobias); father-in-law Harvey Whitney, and mother-in-law Lillian Whitney; brothers-in-law: Ernest Whitney, Hollis Whitney, James (Buster) Nash, and James (Buster) Logan; and sisters-in-law Karen Whitney and June Bertrand.

Donna loved her family with all her heart. She always made sure they had everything they needed and more. She loved her babies - the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, and she would have all her shopping done (before summer ended) and wrapped as she bought the gifts, each gift with a special ornament attached for everyone. She loved getting cards and would keep them all in a box so she could read them whenever the notion hit her. She loved to cook and bake for her family, and we all loved to come home to the wonderful smells and treats she made daily. She loved her soap operas and sitcoms and music, going to the mall, and long drives in the car. Donna was a member of the Saint John Branch Navy league of Canada for over 30 years. She devoted many hours and years volunteering for the 9 Rodney Sea Cadets and loved every minute of it. Her daughters were cadets and all her 5 grandchildren. She said she would stay until the last grandchild finished, but she hung in a few extra years. She received Lifetime Membership and was presented the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

A huge thank you to the Nurses and Staff of 5B North and 4 B North at Saint John Regional Hospital. Extramural nurses especially Maggie, her home care team Sara Moriarty and Dianne Mahar. The care and support they all gave was so appreciated and will not be forgotten by all the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Fundy Funeral Home. In keeping with Donna’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Donations in memory of Donna can be made to the Saint John Branch Navy League, 9 Rodney Sea Cadets 100th Anniversary Fund by e-transferring SJNavyLeague@outlook.com, or a charity of the donor’s choice.