In Loving Memory of

Donna Maureen Dreger

(Maiden: Toeppner)
Aug 7, 2024

To view the service, please click here.

The family of Donna Maureen Dreger are saddened to announce her peaceful passing after a long journey with brain cancer on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

Donna is lovingly remembered by Keith, her husband of nearly 50 years; her daughters, Breeanne (Riley Beach) and Kaija (Graham Parsons); granddaughters, Avery and Quinn Beach; brother, Jack Toeppner; sister and brother-in-law, Dianne and Don McFayden; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Donna was predeceased by her mother, Katherine Murray-Toeppner; father, Arnold Toeppner; sister, Karen Stirrett; father-in-law, Gerald (Jerry) Dreger; mother-in-law, Lily Dreger; brother-in-law, Ken Dreger; and sister-in-law, Linda Dreger.

Donna was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in November of 1954, and raised in the Goldbar neighborhood. She was introduced by a friend to the Teen Eighters Square Dance Club at the age of 13 and it was here that Donna met Keith. They danced with the club into their early 20's and made dozens of lifelong friends.

Donna and Keith were married on May 10, 1975, while they were both still attending the University of Alberta. Donna graduated with a degree in Education and began teaching at the age of 21. She took pride in bringing the love of reading and writing to hundreds of kindergarteners and lower elementary students over her long 35-year career. Donna and a colleague were the first to pioneer job sharing within the Edmonton Public School system, which allowed her to spend more valuable time with her young family while continuing her career.

She loved the adventure of world travel and RV camping. Her many interests and hobbies included reading, sewing, crafting, cooking, baking, interior decorating, and thrifting.

Donna and Keith lived in Sherwood Park most of their married life before moving to rural Strathcona County, where they owned and operated Colchester Stables Equestrian Centre for 20 years, helping to positively influence the lives of hundreds of youths through the fun, discipline, and enjoyment of horses and riding.

Donna's love of sun, sand, and warm ocean breezes led her and her family to travel to Mazatlan, Mexico, where she fell in love with the city, its history, and culture. This led her and Keith to owning a winter home there, which she enjoyed with family and friends for over 15 years. During that time, they explored much of the country together and grew to appreciate the many wonders of their chosen second home. Mexico, and her Mazatlan beachfront condo with its many friends, became Donna's self-proclaimed happy place.

Her greatest joy in life was being a Wife, Mother, and Nana. She was also a valued friend to many. Donna showed her love by creating a warm and inviting home in Canada and Mexico for her family and friends, with many gatherings and dinners.

Donna's cancer journey began in December of 2022 with experiencing a seizure while in Mexico celebrating the Christmas holidays with all her family. It took her through Sharp Hospital in Mazatlan, U of A Hospital, and Cross Cancer Clinic in Edmonton, and ended with a 6-month stay at Pilgrim’s Hospice. The family wishes to acknowledge the many people that assisted with Donna's treatment and care along the way, however it was the outstanding compassionate and loving care shown to Donna and the family during her stay at Pilgrim’s which provided the most comfort and support.

A Celebration of Donna’s Life will be held at Foster & McGarvey Edmonton South Funeral Home on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Keith Dreger a yes, no, or maybe at gkdreger@yahoo.ca for planning purposes. We encourage your personal attendance, however her celebration will be live broadcasted and also recorded for later viewing if you are unable to attend.

Cremation has taken place. Interment will be in the family plot at Mount Pleasant Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged and may be made in Donna’s honor to Pilgrim’s Hospice.





Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Edmonton South Funeral Home.