Obituary of Donna Margaret Sparks

It is with great sadness, that we announce the unexpected passing of Donna Margaret Sparks of Fredericton, NB, beloved wife of the late David Victor Sparks, on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Fredericton, NB. Born on September 27, 1947, in Saint John, NB, Donna was the daughter of the late Margaret Kathleen (O’Leary) and John Berton McIlveen.

Donna dedicated 37 years of her professional career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in the Chemistry Department at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. She was deeply committed to her work and took immense pride in her profession. Many of her colleagues became lifelong friends.

She loved people and had a great passion for sports. She was the treasurer for the FYHA and involved with the Fredericton Figure Skating Club. She enjoyed time on the golf course with her late husband, David, and the girls. Donna’s pride and joy were her three grandchildren, who she doted on, cherished their accomplishments and was extremely proud of who each of them has become. In her free time, she enjoyed reading.

Donna’s sense of humour was truly unmatched. The stories are many, the memories treasured, and she will be deeply missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing her.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie Hynes and her adored son-in-law, Tony Hynes; her son, Todd Sparks (Christa); her grandchildren, Jack Sparks, Taylor Hynes and Andrew Sparks; the mother of her grandsons, Cara Sparks; her sister, Paula Hartt; her cousins, Gail Gardner and Lynne Logan; niece and nephews and her best friend, Susan Holland.

Besides her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her cousins, Bruce McIlveen, Clark McIlveen and her brother-in-law, David Hartt.

The Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery for both her and her late husband David at a later date and a Celebration of Donna’ life will follow. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to any local SPCA or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Her family would like to thank the staff at Paradise Villa for providing a safe space for Donna and the staff at The Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, 4NW for their kind and compassionate care. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com.