Donna Lesko (Nee Lesosky)

October 12, 1950 ~ August 6, 2023

Donna Lesko (Lesosky) passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 6th, 2023 at her home in Anola. She was 72 years old. Her family is heartbroken by her sudden death. Donna was born on October 12, 1950.

Donna is survived by her husband Brian and her daughters Tracy, Denise and Nicole (Blaine). Donna will forever be loved and remembered as Baba and Grandma by her adoring grandchildren Taylor, Avery, Aryanna and Kai. Also mourning her loss is her older brother Louis, sister in-law Eileen, many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her life long friend and sister in-law Carol Lesko, brother in-law Sid Lesko and many special life long friends, Mary Anne, Bill, Merv, Shirley, Orlia and many others.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Agnes Lesosky, her brothers Ken and Jerry, sister in-law Sylvia, grandson Kieran and special friends Jack, Margaret and Lorne.

Donna was born at St Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, MB. She grew up in Stead, MB where she spent endless hours in the Lesosky General Store and at the family cabin at Gull Lake. As a youth she was a spirited tomboy who would always stand up for the underdog. Being the youngest of four with 3 older brothers, she learned at a young age to be a strong and tough woman, despite her small stature.  These elements of her personality she instilled in her daughters. Donna made life-long friends in the community she grew up in and became an honorary sister to the three girls next door.  Donna graduated from Powerview Collegiate in 1969.

Donna first met her future husband Brian when his mother would babysit Donna and her brothers when she was a baby. Having known each other for nearly their entire lives, they began dating as young adults while Brian was in University and Donna worked for a catering company in Winnipeg. In those early years as a couple, they worked hard to build a life for themselves. They were married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Stead, MB in 1972. They later moved to Anola where they built their family home and raised their daughters. She had an extra special relationship with her granddaughter Taylor who she spent so much time with.

Donna was an incredibly talented artist. She enjoyed sketching images of wildlife and nature. She was a gifted baseball player who played on many baseball teams including the Anola Cobras as an adult. She coached kid’s baseball as well and was always proud to note that she was a coach for Corey Koskie in his early years. One of her favourite hobbies was to forage for wild morel mushrooms. She would happily show off her bounty each year, taking pictures of the enormous mushrooms she found and whip up an amazing meal in cream sauce that our family would love. Donna also had a green thumb when it came to her vast collection of house plants. Many of her flowers were decades old and some were much larger than she was. Donna’s skills in the kitchen were also loved by her family. She could make the best potato salad, chicken strips and spaghetti. So many of the family meals she would make, her daughters have tried replicating but it is never quite the same. She made birthdays extra special when her girls were young by putting money in the chocolate cake that she would make for us. The little sweet things she would do for us are held closest to our hearts.

Donna was an amazing and loving wife, mother, grandma, daughter, sister and friend. She will always be remembered for her warm and welcoming smile, her sharp wit, and how much fun she was to be around. She cared deeply for the people around her and was truly kind and compassionate. Donna left us much too soon and will leave a huge void in our hearts and in our lives.

As per Donna’s wishes a private family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Donna’s name.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

Offer Condolence for the family of Donna Lesko (nee Lesosky)