NO DOG ALLOWED!

Doukhobor Caves

Donna’s Legacy Project

Doukhobor Saskatchewan

Remembering Donna

Carrying on Donna's Project

Donna spent 17 years with the Doukhobor Dugout House as a volunteer and Director of the non-profit organization.

Thoughout the years she corresponding with many elders and historians so she could share our history and heritage with visitors.

Donna spent many hours dedicated to educating others and sharing her knowledge for others to enjoy. Along the way Donna fell in love with the idea of a having a Prayer Home on the site, so she could share and bring to us the beliefs and passion of her ancestors. She organized the building like a museum. It looks amazing, but it badly needed repairs for a leaking roof which created damage inside, and it still needs a good coat of paint on the exterior.

She talked to contractors and found that the project would cost more than $7,000 to complete. She did apply for and receive some funding from several organizations, but the goal was not reached before her passing.

The roof has been replaced, but other work remains to be done on the Prayer Home. You too can help. While Donna’s passing is a huge loss, her spirit lives on in the Prayer Home.

Thank You for Your Support.

If you are willing to donate to Donna’s project, please e-transfer or contact us at payments@doukhobordugouthouse.com.

If you prefer to donate by cheque, please send to: Doukhobor Dugout House, Box 433, Blaine Lake SK S0J 0J0

Charitable receipts can be made available upon request.

Historical Landmarks SK Canada
SK Historical Landmarks
Doukhobor Historical Landmarks SK Canada

In Memoriam

Donna Gay Choppe

November 29, 1951 – January 12, 2020

Donna passed away in Saskatoon at the age of 68 after a valiant fight with COPD. She is lovingly remembered by her only daughter Nicole Jaeschke (ex-son-in-law Vern), grandchildren Ainsley and Akre; older brother Richard Choppe (Trudy) and beloved niece Christie-Ann; and many close friends. She was predeceased by her father Nicholas Choppe and mother Helen Choppe (Perehudoff).

Donna was born at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon and grew up on the west side of the city. She attended Howard Coad elementary school and Mount Royal and E.D. Feehan high schools. She left Saskatoon in 1967 and moved to B.C., then on to Alberta, returning to Saskatoon with her daughter Nicole in 1980.

She followed in her father’s footsteps and joined Canada Post in 1981 and retired as a letter carrier in 2016.

Donna had many passions: her granddaughters; her love of dogs; and photography of buildings, wildlife, and important life events. After losing her mother, Donna focused on researching the history and culture of her Doukhobor ancestors. This passion led to her involvement with the Doukhobor Dugout House where she devoted countless hours at the site and served on the Board of Directors. She was a devoted member of the Saskatoon Prayer Home.

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Forever Home

Spreading of the ashes was held at Doukhobor Dugout House on June 20, 2020 with family and the Elders who worked with her in attendance to bring Donna home. Everyone received a purple mask, Donna's favourite muffin and drink, and a rose to place at Oospenia Spring.