March 30, 1945 - November 30, 2021
Donna Coral Tamm (née Edwards), beloved mother, grandmother and long-time resident of Ucluelet, passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours of November 30, 2021 in Tofino General Hospital.
She was 76. Donna was born to Gordon Edwards and Evelynne Coral Edwards (nee Davis) on March 30, 1945 in New Westminster, BC. Donna's mother passed away shortly after her birth due to complications from labour. Gordon remarried shortly thereafter to Agnes Townsend of Victoria, BC and moved back to Ucluelet by the end of 1945.
Donna was unable to hear for the first two years of her life due to a treatable condition at birth. She struggled in school and was taken out of class in grade 7.
She helped her mother with domestic chores, including taking care of her youngest siblings, Terry and Denise. She began to hone her skills to be a remarkably loving and nurturing mother. At 18, she moved out on her own to a small Airstream trailer in Ucluelet that she dubbed "the silver caboose."
On June 17, 1970, at St. Aidan's Anglican Church, Donna married Vello Tamm, an Estonian immigrant, miner, fishermen and local resident. The following year Donna had her first son Victor followed by her second son Eric in 1972.
Donna poured her heart and soul into raising her two boys while working seasonally in local fish plants. She was immensely proud of her sons, who went on to graduate with top honours in high school and university.
Donna's good nature was boundless and she never harboured grudges, despite her early childhood setbacks. She was easy going, and quick to smile and laugh. In later years, her youngest son affectionately nicknamed her "the tank," as she bulldozed over obstacles and odds with optimism and perseverance.
Donna loved crafts, bingo (and bingo sweaters with zany sayings), long walks around town, coffee with friends and visiting grandkids. She spent hours at Big Beach, near her home, gazing at the horizon for whales and sea life.
Despite her health and mobility, she remained in her home of almost 50 years on Yew Street until the very end of her life thanks to the incredible dedication of community home care workers and nurses.
Donna was preceded by her husband Vello and is survived by her sons Victor (Leslie) and Eric (Kevin); grandchildren Hayden and Kennedy; and siblings Wayne (Patty) Edwards, Gwen Edwards, Terry (Nancy) Edwards and Denise Marte (nee Edwards).
The Tamm family will be organizing a celebration of life in the spring. For more information, contact Eric at ericennotamm@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Tofino General Hospital Foundation.