Donna Margaret was born on Monday, April 9, 1956, in Chesley to proud parents Donald Arthur and Sarah Margaret “Peggy” (McGillivray) Leifso. She was the youngest of two children, joining older brother Brian (1953). The Leifsos resided west of Elmwood in Malcolm where they operated their family farm. Donna loved spending time with her family and had many fond memories of birthday parties with her cousins. Depending on who you asked, living beside the school had both its pros and cons. More than once she sneaked across the field and followed Brian to school before she was old enough to go, and Peg had to go bring her home. Once Elderslie Central School was built in Chesley the kids headed into town for their education. Donna completed public school before moving on to Chesley District High School. During her youth, Donna was active in the local 4-H club, completing a variety of courses through the years.
After graduating, Donna spent about a year in Kitchener working for Manulife before returning home to be closer to family. She quickly found work at the travel agency in Hanover. She excelled, loving every minute of it! In 1975, Brian invited two of his buddies, Ted Fritsch and Rick Hatten, back to the farm after a round of golf. Following an afternoon of fun, Rick asked Donna if she would go with him to Chickenfest in Walkerton that evening to which she excitedly said, “yes!” A second date followed the very next evening and as they say, the rest is history. The young couple were wed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Elmwood on Saturday, November 6, 1976 (there wasn’t a deer season that year). The newlyweds settled in the Hallman Apartments in Hanover, before moving to a farmhouse outside of Elmwood and then an apartment above the bank in Elmwood. By this time Donna was working as a teller for Guaranty Trust in Hanover. In 1980, the Hattens experienced another change buying a property in Mooresburg that they would call home for 38 years. The next year their family began to grow with the arrival of Sarah, followed by Crystal in 1984 and Rob in 1987. In addition to caring for her young family, Donna spent these years furthering her education through night courses. This allowed her to become a financial advisor at the bank. Donna loved people and her personality allowed her to succeed in this new role. She formed many close bonds with her clients through the years, even taking night calls when needed. Donna had a very successful 35-year career and retired from the bank in 2011 to pursue her calling as gramma full-time.
Donna enjoyed many creative pastimes over the years which included rug hooking, designing stained glass with Brenda, and even trying her hand at ceramics with Peg. She loved taking in a good sunrise and sunset, as well as the beautiful fall colours — which she did often with Rick. Gardening was another hobby, with Donna spending countless hours tending to her flowerbeds and veggie garden. Although retrieving the fruits of her labour was always rewarding, she wasn’t as keen to head out to deal with the endless weeding. Summers were always full of fun, with lots of road trips, family camping adventures, and who could forget the houseboat tours with friends. Time spent with her children at MacGregor Point Provincial Park, her happy place, was always memorable. When the seasons changed here, Donna looked forward to heading south for a winter reprieve. Sometimes that meant relaxing on a sunny beach with dear friends, and other times it meant cruising adventures with her favourite travelling companion and best friend, her mother Peg. They met so many new people during these adventures with Captain’s Dinners always being a highlight. Donna had a soft spot for jewellery and often brought a souvenir home with her. She loved having her nails done (thanks to Melissa from Bliss) and wearing her beautiful rings from cruises and Rick. Donna was also active in her church, teaching Sunday School for years and also being a regular member of the Church Council. Donna also loved her music with the likes of The Beatles, The Eagles, Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Abba being some of her favourites. She also enjoyed live theatre and even made it to The Sound of Music recently for one final show. As well, she always had a good book or two on the go. Donna had a soft spot for animals, particularly her dogs (at least most of the time) Charlie, Sparky, Buddy, and Miss Heidi. When it came to treating herself, she loved anything with butterscotch or caramel, a nice cold Pepsi and Chinese takeout.
In 2010, Donna’s life forever changed when she became a grandmother. She absolutely treasured spending time with each and every grandchild, celebrating their unique personalities. Gramma treated them to a variety of adventures which included excursions to Storybook Park and day trips to the beach in Port Elgin. The grandkids always looked forward to a week of Vacation Bible School with Gramma and she loved baking, playing games or spending time around the campfire with them. Donna’s side-by-side (a.k.a. Gramma’s Tractor) was another form of entertainment for everyone and will be remembered by her grandchildren for many years to come. Although her time with them was cut short, Donna never missed an opportunity to bond with her grandchildren. She will truly be missed by all of them!
Donna was a loving, generous woman, who was always reliable and selfless. She cared for those around her deeply and put the needs of others before her own. In 2018, Donna and Rick built their dream home and looked forward to many more years together enjoying it with friends and family. Sadly, it was not meant to be as Donna was diagnosed with a rare and advanced form of cancer in April of 2022. With the support of family and friends, Donna began treatments and found comfort in her strong faith. She made the best of each day and was blessed by the devoted and faithful love and care of Rick. In recent weeks Donna’s health declined further and she passed away at home, in the midst of a beautiful sunset, surrounded by the love of her family and friends, on Sunday, December 4, 2022, in her 67th year.
Beloved wife of Rick. Cherished mother of Sarah (Terry) Rogers of Hamilton, Crystal (Brian) Heenan of Kitchener, and Rob (Lynn) Hatten of Chesley. Devoted Gramma of Allie, Hannah, Chloe, Hunter, Blake, and Brielle. Dear sister-in-law of Susanne Leifso, Judy (Larry) Charlton, Cheryl (Scott) Barfoot, and Connie (Doug) Mills. Donna will be sadly missed by her dearest friends who were family, Brenda, Bob, and Julie Krueger. She was predeceased by her brother Brian and her parents Donald and Peggy (McGillivray) Leifso.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Thursday from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. A funeral service honouring Donna’s life will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Sullivan Township on Friday, December 9, 2022, at 1 p.m. Inurnment in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, Sullivan in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Sullivan, Canadian Wildlife Federation, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Rick and family. We are so sorry for your loss, and sad to hear that the had passed. Donna was a very special lady in so many ways. I have many special little memories of her. Sending love and hugs to all.
Rob & Lynn, Crystal, Sarah, Rick and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Donna’s passing. We’re thinking of you and send our condolences. She will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. She was truly a wonderful person and will be missed by all who knew her.
so sorry to hear of donna’s passing. donna always had a hello when we met. she will be missed by everyone that knew her. condolences to Rick and family
wayne and Betty bell and family
Deepest sympathy Rick, to you and your family. Donna was such a wonderful person, she will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her.
My deepest sympathies to all of Donna’s Family. May all your memories be a blessing.
My condolences to Rick,Sarah,Crystal,Rob and families
Many great memories of Donna. Being a neighbour of her family on the farm. Going to Malcolm school with her, believe it or not l remember her and Brian running across the field to school. Later there were many parties at the Leifso house. Playing on Rick’s broomball/ baseball teams, dealings at the TD bank. It’s been a life long friendship with her and she will be missed. RIP Donna. Sending my sympathy. Al Monk
Oh Rick I am so sorry to hear this. Donna was a beautiful person who will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known and loved her. My deepest sympathies to you and your family as you face the days and weeks ahead💞
Our deepest sympathy, to the entire family. Donna was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
To Rick, Rob & Lynn, & the Hatten family, our sincere condolences. Very sorry to hear about Donna. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
my deepest sympathy on your loss
So sorry to hear of the passing of Donna condolences to all the family
I am so sad to hear of Donnas passing. She was so happy any time I met up with her. She will be greatly missed.
Our deepest condolences to you Rick, and the entire family.
Rick, Sarah, Crystal, Rob and families, I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was such a kind and wonderful woman, and her love lives on in all of you. May memories bring you comfort and peace.
Jennifer (Golem) Chase
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing.
My first paycheck went to the bank where I met Donna. Boy, 1974!
Then we were almost neighbours in Sullivan. Children became friends.
Church, activities and life kept us running into each other. So many times with Peggy along.
She was a kind, caring lady with a great laugh.
Aaron,Rachel,Janet and I hope you take comfort and peace with all the great memories.
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Donna – she will be greatly missed, but will remain in the hearts of loved ones. May God give you peace and comfort in these difficult days.
My heart goes out to Rick and all your family on your loss. Donna remained positive and fought bravely. May you find peace and comfort in your memories.
So sorry Donna had to go through her health struggles; however, we know God was with her through it all. Praying that God will provide His comfort and peace in the days ahead.
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing but now she has no pain at all.
Deepest sympathy to Donna’s family. I remember her as that cheerful kid on the school bus, as the spirited one at gatherings on “the 10th”, and as a warm and lovely person who always had a greeting that made you feel special. She will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a great lady and very family oriented. She will be missed by so many people. Hold on to those special memories!
Our sincere sympathy to Rick, Sarah, Crystal, Rob and family as well as Bob and Brenda. It was so nice to see Donna a few weeks ago when she and Rick and Bob and Brenda stopped by. I have always enjoyed Donna and wish you all some comfort in the grief process. Yvonne and Rob.
Our deepest sympathy to you ,Rick, Sarah , Crystal, Rob and all your family. Donna was a faithful church worker and always helped everyone around her in any way she could . May you find comfort in knowing that she is at peace now.🙏💕
Rick and family, our family would like to express our deepest condolences. We are truly sorry for your loss and wish you all the comfort and strength in the world to help you get through this tough time.
Rick and family, we are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. We will remember the good times and all the laughs at the ball games and neighborhood gatherings. She was always so much fun to be around. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick and family
We’re sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. There are no words of comfort to offer, but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss
Hi Rick & Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Donna’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. Donna will be missed by all of the James family but especially by dad, her “Island” brother. Sending hugs and prayers of strength for you all.
Love, Malcolm Sr., Nola, Charmaine, Malcolm Jr. & Andy James
Sorry to hear of Donna’s passing My condolences to all
I’m very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing, she will be missed by many. Sending my sincere condolences to you all.
Sending my deepest sympathy to Donna’s family and friends!
Our sincerest sympathies in the passing of Donna. Such a kind & loving soul. Remember the good times you shared & the memories you made to help you through the difficult days ahead.
My condolences to the family. Donna was a friend and a colleague at TD Bank.
She loved her family and always was there to help anyone in need. She will be greatly missed. Kathy Anstett
Our Condolences to all the family and friends
Sending sympathy to you Rick and your family. Donna always had a big smile and hello for all she met. Her smile and conversations will be missed by all who knew her. RIP Donna
Rick and family. So sorry to hear about Donna. We know this will be a very tough time for all. I know your good friends will be there to help but if there is anything we can do just let us know.
So very sorry for your loss. I went to Chesley High School with Donna !
She was a very caring person . Cherish all the wonderful memories and hold them close to your heart !
You have our deepest sympathy
Rick and family,I am sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I have no words to ease the sorrow you are going through right now. Sending love and prayers your way ((hugs))
So sorry hearing of Donna’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences to Rick and family. Rest In Peace Donna
My deepest sympathy to the family of Donna. She will be missed by all. Fond memories will keep her close.
To Rick and family:
So sorry to hear of the passing of Donna,always there to lend da hand.
Sarah, crystal and family. We are so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Sending you guys love ❤️
Rick and family. So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Will be remembering all the good times we had with her in Cuba and what a good neighbour she was.
We are very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She will be greatly missed by so many. Thinking of you all during this impossible time.
Sending our sincere condolences to Rick, Sarah and Terry, Crystal and Brain, Rob and Lynn, and your families. Donna was such a loving and giving person who will be missed by all who knew her. We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Deepest sympathy Rick, to to you all! Donna was such a wonderful and kind wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be sorrily missed.
Love Ron, Glenna and Bob
We were saddened to hear about Donna’s passing, our deepest sympathy for your loss of a dear wife, mother and grandmother and her family and her dearest friends…