Contributions to the tribute of Donna Jean Beckett

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Remembering Mrs. Beckett as someone who had a positive influence in my early Christian walk. Her life touched countless young people who needed spiritual direction, be it through Trinity United Church, Turning Point Ministries, or Niagara Life Centre, and we are grateful for her service. My condolences to her family for their loss.

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Wes Reimer posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

I was sad to learn of Donna's death but cherish the thought of her in glory. "To live is Christ and to die is gain" Paul said, and to my experience, that is how it was w Donna. From my earliest childhood encounters w the Becketts as dear friends of my parents, to later enjoying Donna's engaging, 'no nonsense' leadership in Sunday School, and on through to a tireless life of extending herself and her family to the most marginalized persons in our community, Donna was 'living Christ'; his light so evident in and through hers and Don's obedience to the way of the cross. How fitting then that her 'gain' by reaching heaven should occur on the first day of Lent. She didn't need all 40 days to be fit for glory. A lifetime of 'carrying her cross' had long prepared her for this final journey - one which ends in the beautiful embrace of her Lord. There is a personal pain in that I sadly missed any notice of her passing until today. My sincere apologies to the family. My parents (Ed and Thelma) enjoyed a deep and lasting friendship over several decades w Donna and Don which included countless hours of shared service at Turning Point Ministries, and Niagara Life Centre as well as other avenues. I can only imagine the joyful reunion w Don and dad that is taking place right now. These are the promises we hold in Christ; the hope that prevents our dejection at the earthly loss of our loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are w the family - she was somethin' special.

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Thelma Reimer donated to NIAGARA LIFE CENTRE

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

In memory of Donna Beckett, a friend, a wonderful and giving woman.

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Sylvia Reimer posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Dear Beckett family, your mom was a wonderful woman and servant of the Lord. Her legacy will be difficult to repeat yet it will live on for years to come. My condolences to your family from ours. As you know, your mom and dad were close friends of my parents and now three of them are reunited. Donna's light shone very brightly.

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Christine Catterall posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Lovely Lady I remember from Niagara life center.Beautiful smile made you feel welcomed and loved.May God keep you close at this time of sorrow.

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Maggie Vida posted a condolence

Sunday, March 5, 2017

May God bless all of you as you grieve this amazing, loving servant of God... she is undoubtedly 'present with the Lord' and would no doubt have heard those wonderful words, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" from the Lord Himself! Donna was such an obedient servant who sacrificed so much in order to serve the Lord. She was such an incredible role model of Christian love and service and it was my pleasure to know her as a part of the Board of Directors for Niagara Life Centre for a few years.

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Tammee (Watson) Rivera posted a condolence

Saturday, March 4, 2017

More than twenty years ago I worked at the Niagara Life Centre which gave me an education more precious and life-lasting than any institution could offer. What a unique and miraculous place it was! God was in that place and He used His people to help many hurting and desperate souls in the Niagara region. Donna Beckett exemplified strength, vision, faith, perseverance and courage as she pioneered this work. That she never wrote a book about her experiences is our great loss. Even now as I remember the many hours spent sitting on the couch in her office as we discussed the needs of our clients, and eating our lunch together in the kitchen, I recall her wisdom, her laugh, her passion for making a difference in as many lives as she could, her equal acceptance of everyone big and small and her boundless energy! I have never had the opportunity to say this to Donna but I say it now: Thank you for giving me a chance, even young and foolish as I was. Thank you for your example of faith, courage, and generosity. Thank you for giving me a passion to make this world a better place through service. Thank you for ruining my appetite for a selfish and mundane life. The torch is now passed to a younger generation.

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Beth Cruickshank posted a condolence

Thursday, March 2, 2017

We were sorry to hear about Aunt Donna. It was wonderful how she welcomed my sister, Barb into your home so she could finish school with you. We enjoyed seeeing her at family visits. I am sure you will cherish many happy memories. Beth and Paul Cruickshank

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Kenn and Judy Kraeker posted a condolence

Thursday, March 2, 2017

We are sorry for your loss but are so thankful that Donna is home with the Lord, whole again. We have such wonderful memories of your mom. Donna was a wonderful neighbour and our sons were so happy when they were warmly invited to use the beautiful pool in the back yard throughout the summer. During the years that Kenn was helping out at Vineland MB Church, Donna was always happy and willing to give a report on her work at Niagara Life whenever he asked. She was such a dedicated servant to that cause. She had a great impact upon so many when she was actively providing leadership with this ministry. We are still away in Florida for the winter but will be keeping your family in our prayers as you say your final goodbyes this week.

Donna Jean Beckett

1928 - 2017

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