In loving memory of
Donna Colter-Bakker
October 4, 1953 – May 25, 2026
Memorial Service with Live Stream
Saturday, June 13, 2026
11:00 AM PT
Broadview Evangelical Church Gymnasium
350-30th St. NE, Salmon Arm, BC
Catered Lunch to Follow
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Obituary of Donna Pearl Ernestine Colter-Bakker
Donna was born in Drumheller, Alberta, October 4, 1953, to proud parents, Albert and Lillian Colter; sibling to sister Ruth and brother James. In 1958, when Donna was 4 years old, the family moved to Peachland, BC. Donna was a healthy child who outgrew her sibs quite early in life.
She chose to live her life in the service of God at age 14 at Lacombe, a promise she maintained until her last day. She took the next step, baptism, in July 1970 at Salmon Arm.
Donna earned her Nurses’ cap in 1974 at BCIT, Burnaby, during which time she first met her future husband and his new bride, Mary. That proves that the future is not ours to see, but that we can safely trust in our Father and His guidance. She worked at various hospitals as a Psychiatric nurse, in Kamloops, Trail, Edmonton, and Red Deer. In the early eighties, Donna changed her career path. She applied her artistic talents to earn a Bachelor of Science, majoring in textiles and design. She attended universities in Winnipeg, MB; Windsor, ON; and Edmonton, AB. With her degree in hand, she moved to the Toronto area to gain experience in clothing manufacturing. She returned to Alberta in 1991, where she taught college courses in beginning sewing for 20 years, herself becoming quite proficient in the art. She helped many who struggled with needle and thread. She also became caregiver for a number of folks needing personal assistance in daily living. Donna loved people and thoroughly enjoyed making many lifelong friends.
On Oct 10, 2015, she became the loving wife of long time acquaintance and friend, Jack Bakker, and moved from Calgary, AB to Port Coquitlam, BC. Before long Jack, being of Dutch origin felt that Donna needed to meet a few of his relatives remaining in the Netherlands, the oldest being his mothers’ youngest sister, Willy and her two daughters, Marianka and Nora. A year later the couple moved to Salmon Arm, leaving the church that had been in that home for over 30 years. In Salmon Arm, the couple was blessed with a winter time Wednesday afternoon meeting for 2 years, until health issues made a change necessary. Donna’s health continued to decline, but she struggled on, going to meetings until that became impossible. Always looking for ways to help, that spirit typified what Donna lived for. And we are blessed to have had her in our midst.
Donna was predeceased by her parents, Lillian (1974) and Albert (1975) Colter; and step-son, Tony Bakker (2022).
She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband of 10 years, Jack, his son Chris (Amy); sister Ruth Hof, brother James (Mildred); and sister-in-law, Andrea Mills. Also niece Wendy; nephews Roger, Joel (Ashley), and Sean (Cara); great nieces Lillian, Brynn, and Jovie. Also special cousins, Lana and Richard Lauder, their children Jenae (Josh), Colter, Reed, and Benjamin Paleck; and Jaden (Thyra) Lauder. Many others, dear cousins and friends, too many to mention individually, but each will be aware that they had a close relationship with Donna.
One thing that touched my heart…..even in her serious state, she remained the woman who cared and loved. One morning I awoke and went to check on her. As I walked through the door to where she lay, she said in a clear voice, “watch where you walk!” A mug had fallen off her table and smashed to pieces. Had she not warned me, it’s likely I would have stepped on them with bare feet. She called out to me to warn me and from there she was mostly unable to vocalize anything clearly. That was typically the Donna I had loved so dearly. I am thankful for God lending her to me. Thank you. J
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We have lovely memories of Donna visiting her brother, Jim, when he boarded at Marvin’s mother’s, Gladys Sheets, house in Rocky Mountain House, AB.
Sincere condolences in your loss…
Thankful that time heals and memories cheer.
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Very special condolences to my step-brother! Life truly is a checkered pathway with joy & sorrow interwoven. I love the thought you shared, Jack, of Donna calling out for you to “watch your step”. Certainly those are words she lived by & was a fine example for all she mingled amongst!
All of us have you in our hearts
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Donna was a very special person and we will miss her cheerful presence.
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Donna has reached out to a lot of people especially in the earlier days. We appreciated her fellowship and kindness. Our heart goes out to her siblings and Jack and relatives.
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Donna you came into our lives as a stranger and over the next 15 years you were like my Mother and Grandmother to my girls. I’ll never forget the day you took my girls hands and married the man of your dreams. You will always have a place in my heart and our memories will live on forever.
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Our dear Ones!
Yes, this is a sad but special time for sharing memories. From the time we were young & became friends because our folks were friends – and because of – ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’ – in life & ever more
In our thoughts & prayers
Fritz & Joyce Buechi
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So sorry for your loss. Donna was always a very caring person.
She will be missed.
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Donna was a vibrant, positive, upbeat person and we enjoyed her and Jack’s company. One Sunday evening we stopped at the Overlander restaurant in Armstrong for dinner. Jack and Donna were there and invited us to join them. It was their 10th anniversary, so very special to be with them that evening.!
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Dear Jack & family,
We can only imagine the feeling of loss the whole family must be experiencing, particularly you Jack. Ruth has known you for many years. I first met Donna when she came to visit down in Brazil around 1980. I don’t forget the wonderful days we had in Calgary in 2000 while I was still in the work among some mighty fine friends, Donna included. Our heartfelt sympathy to family & friends of Donna’s. Ruth & Bernard Hall
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Our condolences to JACK and family. Donna came to my parent’s home in Kelowna for Sunday meeting from the time the Coulter family moved from Alberta to Peachland. We first met Jack and Mary in Australia and spent some time travelling together in B.C. Donna also visited us when we lived in Ottawa.
Our thoughts are with you these days Jack.
Colin and Elaine Fabian
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My mind goes back to my time spent with Donna in her early teen years. We had fellowship together Sunday morning in Summerland. The years rolled by and she was in our home several times while we were in Spruce Grove. My children nicknamed her “big auntie Donna.” They loved her and still think of her very fondly.
I was grateful to have opportunity to see her once again only about two weeks before she passed away. Her cheerful attitude to her situation was an inspiration again to me.
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Dear Jack and family…. And family of our dear Donna ….. you will be feeling a tremendous loss in you life … my deepest sympathy to you all … but of course there is a rejoicing too .. we rejoice with Donna that she “ Home safe “ … at peace in God’s care ..
I am so very thankful to have had Donna for a friend … by her life and spirit she taught me many things … and trusted our Father completely . She learned how to make the best of a difficult situation … like her ill health .. Her love for others was outstanding .. it made her a person that you always wanted to be around . It was a great privilege of mine to visit you and Donna for a few days last summer .. precious memories inspire me to keep on walking with our Father … lots of love , Gail McMurray
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We want to extend our sympathy to you Jack at the passing of your dear wife and friend . We first got to know you in your training days at the hospital in Weyburn , and now it is many years later , the path has been varied and wonderful.
We are thankful for Gods care
With care Alex and Isabelle Howden
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When we lived in Kamloops in the 70’s Donna stored her folks piano in our home. She also came to Keith’s 49th birthday party in Edmonton. She had a very hearty laugh. Our love and sympathy to Jack and family. Keith and Eva
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I first met Donna at a preps at Salmon Arm and she was Kingdom minded then. Last year I saw her and I didn’t think she recognized me but she did and I can truthly state I didn’t know of her ailing health at time, but she just spoke of a person who accepted what every may. This is what I like to remember as to me. What a wonderful legacy to leave beyond. A sample that we can achieve if we are willing. Donna did this thorough out her life. I am thankful to have known her. May those who will find comfort in knowing that she has finished well. Heather
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Dear Jack and Family,
It was so sweet of you and Donna when making your last trip together to see friends and family that I was included. Your invite to supper out with Thelma and co was so very special. You stayed the night with me and were the first quests here in Edmonton. And I had only been her a month.
Donna’s family have been dear to our hearts for many years. Donna’s dad was a young worker in the Peace River area when my grandparents, my aunts, uncles and dad first heard the gospel. My dad always spoke of the Coulters with love and respect. We probably got to know brother Jim the best.
I am sorry you have lost Donna so soon. She was a joy to be around. She was a wonderful soul with a big heart. She always made others feel good!! She loved her place in the spiritual family.
Sincerely, Sharon
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Beryl and I had a quick visit with Donna on Friday before her passing. She was clearly very uncomfortably ill but she made the difficult effort, quite successfully, to show her care for us! Her kind heart was in the very front during our visit. Sad that we understood what was coming but her tenderness in that visit will linger sweetly in our hearts. God bless.
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Great memories of Donna in Red deer . Donna was a very special strong encouraging steady true friend, that we loved & appreciate so much . Always loved my little chats with Donna always inspiring. & uplifting. She will be missed by many .💐
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Through the past months, I have had the privilege of staying with Jack and Donna, or visiting them from our motorhome and each time I was reminded of how much Donna loved and was loved. It was wonderful to see the love Jack and Donna had for each other. As a dear friend for decades, my Donna will surely be missed by myself as well as Wayne. Donna rest in peace, we will meet again.
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I will miss you Donna as a friend and a ‘sis’. I am so happy for what you did to look after my brother and love you shared with him. It was beautiful to see. You were an inspiration to many of how to live a Godly life. Love you 😍
Andrea
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We Will forever remember Donna’s solid grip on truth. She always had such a positive and encouraging attitude 🩷. She Knew what she wanted. The stories of inspiration and encouragement she shared with us, passed to her by others, over the years were countless and we will be reminded of them often.
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Dear family. I have only known Donna for 4 years, since moving to Salmon Arm. She has been very special to me through my difficult time. I told Donna it’s so wonderful that she declared plainly whom she loved and whom she served in her lifetime. I will miss my friend. Dorothy
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My condolences to Donna’s family.
In my mind I hear her laugh. Donna was a special lady. She will be missed.