Obituary of Donna Leech

                              In Loving Memory of Donna Marie Leech

                                      July 31st, 1934 - May 26th, 2026

 

Donna Marie Leech, beloved wife of the late Don Leech, mother, grandma and great grandma, passed away peacefully with family by her side at the Bayside Personal Care Home in Killarney Manitoba on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 at the age of 91 years.

Donna’s life was a testament to family, friendship, hard work, generosity, laughter, and love.

 

Donna was born at the Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg, the first of 6 children of Alec and Donalda McPherson.  When she was 10 years old the family moved to Wawota Saskatchewan, a town that left a lasting impression on her and later inspired many of her stories and written reflections. At the age of 15 Donna moved to Brandon, Manitoba to live with her Grandma Gibson and to attend St. Michael’s Academy.  During those years she discovered a calling that would stay with her throughout her life—nursing—and in 1956 earned her registered nursing degree at Misericordia General Hospital and in 1957, her post graduate psychiatric nursing degree at Brandon Mental Health Centre. 

 

On September 7th 1957, Donna married Don Leech, an up and coming businessman. Making their home in Brandon they built a relationship to last a lifetime of love, family, friendships, business, community, and raised a family of 6 children. A marriage of 59 years. There was no Donna without Don and no Don without Donna.

 

Family life was busy for Donna, however she was still able to pursue her passions of reading, daily journalling, gardening, fashion, and creating beautiful homes to share with family and friends.  Together Donna and Don loved hosting gatherings, cocktail parties, dinners, and afternoon coffee visits shared with family, friends and neighbours.

 

Sleepy Hollow, the family cabin at Pelican Lake, was a dream Don and Donna made real  over time beginning in the 1970’s. It became a place of respite and rest for them and a gathering place for family where many wonderful memories were made—their most special place.

 

Donna is survived by her children, Christa (Jeff), Michael (Pat), Leslie (Mark), Jon (Marian), Paul (Suzanne) and David (Arlene); sisters Harlene (Ken), Gerry (Gary)and brother David (Pat). She was grandmother to 16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

 

Donna’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the many doctors, nurses, health care aides, support workers, and family who cared for her over the last few years. Words will never be enough. You guided Donna through her journey with dignity and grace. We are forever grateful.

 

A private family celebration of Donna’s life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on Friday, June 5th, 2026.

 

Donations in memory of Donna may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 457 9th Street, Brandon,MB, R7A 1K2 or to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Ave., Brandon, MB, R7A 7H8.

 

                                 “A Life well Lived and well Loved”