Obituary of Donna Theora Crowe

It is with profound sadness that the family of Donna Theora (Carr) Crowe announces her passing in the early hours of August 1, 2026. Donna was born in Saint John, N.B. on June 14, 1944 , the oldest child of Amberse E. Carr and Frances T. (Pollock) Carr. She spent her early life in Saint John, graduating from Saint John High School in 1962. She moved to Fredericton in the fall of that year to attend Teachers College, where she attained her teaching certificate. Thereafter, she returned to Saint John where she taught for two years before returning to Fredericton in 1967 to begin her married life with David, who was just beginning his graduate studies at UNB.

She began her 20 year career in Fredericton teaching at Nashwaaksis Memorial, Charlotte Street (where she was the last principal there) and then as principal at Forest Hill, before moving into the district office as coordinator of elementary education. Over these years, she earned her BA, BEd and MEd degrees at UNB. Near the end of her teaching career, she and David welcomed their two girls into their lives. Donna did teach for another short spell at Royal Road, but at this point in her life, she decided she wanted to be a “stay at home” Mum.

She excelled at this second “career”, making sure the girls tried a myriad of activities such as: choir, t-ball, soccer, rugby, Brownies & Guides, piano & swimming lessons, dancing, servers practices, etc. As expected, she took an active interest in the girls’ education making sure never acting as a “former teacher”.

At home, the girls enjoyed spending time with Donna in the kitchen making cookies, brownies or other goodies and she carried this on with her grandchildren in later years.
Outside the home, Donna was involved in many activities at Christ Church Cathedral such as the Cathedral Catering Group, Mothers’ Union (where she was a charter member) and the ACW.

Donna was predeceased by her mother and father, her mother-in-law and father-in- law, Arthur G.W. and Dorothy G. (Niles) Crowe, her grandparents and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. David Crowe; daughters, Caryn (Mark) Gunter and Andrea (Tim) Power and grandchildren, Allyson (Ally), Jack and Austin. Donna was the ultimate big sister to her sister Judy (late Rod) Crowther; and also to her brother Terry (Jenny) Carr and their children: Amy MacPherson, Sarah Robertson, Jeffrey Carr & James Carr. Also surviving are her sister-in-law, Marilyn (late James) MacGowan and her children: James MacGowan, John MacGowan, Anne Hergott & Susan Wright.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Mountainside Lodge & Medley Hall (Shannex) for the loving care they provided Donna this past year. We are eternally grateful for their kindness to Donna as well as to the family. We would also like to thank Donna’s niece, Sarah Robertson RN, for the many times she provided medical assistance while Donna lived at home.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A funeral service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 2 pm with Canon Jon Lownds as celebrant. For those unable to attend, the service can be accessed via the Cathedral’s You Tube channel.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate consideration of donations to the Chalmers Foundation, Fredericton Hospice or any charity of your choice.