Donna M. Leighton
Sunday, October 13, 1940
Date of Death:
Monday, April 3, 2023
Age:
82 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday April 21, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Friday April 21, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Oakwood Cemetery East [ view map ]
Livestream
To livestream this service click on the link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4MDcyMDg2MjI0NDc2OCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Sunday, October 13, 1940
Date of Death:
Monday, April 3, 2023
Age:
82 years old
Sunday, October 13, 1940
Date of Death:
Monday, April 3, 2023
Age:
82 years old
Donna M. Leighton
Donna Mae Leighton, 82, of Eyota, MN, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 3, 2023 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester after a brief illness.
Donna was born October 13, 1940, in La Crosse, WI, to Stan and Ruth Egge (Trulson). She attended Lanesboro High School and graduated in 1958. On January 21, 1961, she and Glen E. Leighton were married at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. Donna worked at IBM for many years and, after retirement, continued her affection for serving people as a waitress at Three Crowns Restaurant in the Holiday Inn South in Rochester.
Donna’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her children and their spouses, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed being a “snowbird” in Donna TX, dancing and happy hours with friends, family vacations to Alexandria, playing slots at Treasure Island, camping and watching her family show horses for several years. Cooking was a gift that Donna shared with many. The memories spent with her in the kitchen, learning her favorites, will be forever cherished and passed on for generations to come.
Donna is survived by son, Jon (Donna) Leighton of Lake City, MN; daughters, Julie (Don) Blumer of Fountain, MN, Janae (Dan) Monnet of Rocheter, MN; seven grandchildren, Nicole (Karl) Gerber, Corey (Bailey) Leighton, Jessica (Bryan) Halverson, Justin Blumer, Jenna Blumer, Taylor (Dillon) Schuster, Lindsey Monnet; three great grandchildren, Karlee, Claire, Aubrey; sisters, Phyllis (Hank) Wilson, Sonja (Bob) Lindholm; brother Don (Joanne) Egge; and many other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Glen and her parents.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Palliative Care Unit at Methodist Hospital for the incredible care and compassion Donna received.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2023 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be held for two hours prior to the service on Friday. Burial will be at Oakwood East Cemetery in Rochester.
Memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Hospice
Website: philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC
In the “Designate my donation to…” field, select “Other” and type “Hospice” in the “Other Designation” field.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Donna M. Leighton has received the following condolences.
My much younger sister, Audrey Egge Riis, and Cousin Donna were born ten weeks apart, but our branch of the Egge Family moved to Washington state in 1941, so we cousins didn't get to grow up together. We made several family vacation trips (by car) to Minnesota to visit relatives, but not often enough to really get to know each other. Donna was always bubbling over with laughter and stories. Sadly, both of us lost our husbands too soon due to Parkinson's Disease. Unfortunately, our children did not get a chance to know each other except at special family events. I have especially fond memories of time spent in her kitchen while the men toured the beautiful barn. She will always be remembered for her bubbly personality. Prayers for comfort for the family and friends who will miss her presence.
I was so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. I first knew her as an IBM cafeteria employee where she greeted everyone with a smile and then was lucky enough to bring her in to my department after that area was vended out. She was such a bright light and wonderful addition to my team in the mail room. She always had a story to tell about her exciting life! I was especially impressed the time she and her daughters traveled to California to attend the wedding of her niece, who was an actress on the popular TV show, Dallas, and you met some of the Dallas cast at the wedding reception. And if I remember correctly, she was a bit disappointed that Larry Hagman hadn’t attended the wedding. Dallas was one of my favorite shows so I was so envious of her! She and your Dad were such a great pair and always seemed to be living life to the fullest. I’m sure living without him was a huge adjustment for her after so many years of being together. But as you will likely hear over and over again from those attempting to comfort you, they are together now in heaven. May all your wonderful memories of both your parents live forever in your hearts. Know that you were loved so much by both of them and made them very proud. Keeping you in my prayers.
Sorry to read about Donna’s passing. I’m sure she missed being with Glen, and now they can meet in Heaven.
Sympathies to the family.
James Nigon
My heartfelt condolences to all the families of Donna. She was a bright light in the world and is now a shining star watching over her beloved family here on earth. I'm an honored to have known how loved she was to her family.
Peace and Love,
Missy Freetly
Sorry to read about Donna’s passing. I’m sure she missed being with Glen, and now they can meet in Heaven.
Sympathies to the family.
James Nigon
Sending our heartfelt condolences to Donna's family. My mother, Sandy Lewis, worked with Donna in the IBM cafeteria for years and enjoyed working with her. Mom said Donna always had a smile for everyone.
Sincerely, Sandy & Bruce Lewis and Ron and Stacy (Lewis) Haugen
Sending our condolences from the Summer family. Many fond memories of showing horses and seeing the Leightons in the show community.
I’m so saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. She was such a great friend and person that be around. My memories of her will forever be in my heart!!