Victoria’s Read

Donna Stratton was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario. “I am the last of seven children. I’m pretty sure that I’m an afterthought though since there are quite a few years between my sister and I.” Donna’s father died at a young age, leaving her oldest brother to fill the role. “My brother just knew what needed to be done and did it.”

After following her sister to North Bay, Donna met her future husband. “I was cooking at the Highwayman restaurant and Brian would always come by.”

Brian was from Redbridge and it is there that the couple began their life together. Donna and Brian have been married now for 20 years and have three children. “I love living in the country. It’s quiet and I have deer in my backyard. It is perfect.”

Donna was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom to her son and twin girls. She was a continuous volunteer at the Phelps school while the children grew. “I was known as the lice lady.”

Donna felt that it was important to educate her children on the importance of volunteering in their community, as well. “My family supplies the blueberries every year to the Phelps Golden Age Club for their pancake breakfasts.” Donna chose to help this club because of their devotion to the community. “The Golden Age Club is always there for our community so we wanted to give back.”

A year ago, Donna Stratton decided to re-enter the work force. “Once all the kids left home, I needed something to do.” She gained employment at the Redbridge General Store. “Brian and Sigrun are great people to work for. We all fit well.” Donna admits that her past experiences working at Tim Horton’s and as a bartender was beneficial to her job at the General Store. “I learned to stand on my feet for a long period of time and how to deal with the public.” For a woman who likes change, this job was a good match.

Donna is also an avid gardener. “Besides taking care of my own flower and vegetable gardens, I also start tomato plants for other people.”

When Donna isn’t getting dirt under her fingernails, she also enjoys playing in her three fresh water aquariums.

Written by: Victoria Reed