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Dona Lynne (Giannini) McLeod, 71, of Louisville, KY, passed away on January 11, 2017, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 6, 1945 in Charleston, SC to the late Dr. J. Thomas “Tom” Giannini and Mrs. Eula (Marquis) Giannini.
Dona was a graduate of Waggener High School. She attended the University of Louisville where she was the president of her sorority Sigma Kappa. Dona was a member of Mortar Board and she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree. She went on to receive her master’s degree from the University of Kentucky. Dona was married in 1971 to Donald McLeod in Louisville, KY. She spent a large part of her life using her natural gifts as a teacher at local schools including Walden School and Sacred Heart Academy. She also worked as a counselor at Indiana University Southeast. While there she was appointed as coordinator of the new Adult Student Center. Throughout her life Dona enjoyed writing and speaking. Following her retirement she increased her work in these areas. She was a long time member of Southeast Christian Church where she willingly used her gifts for the benefit of others. She also wrote children’s stories for her grandchildren.
Dona is survived by her devoted husband, Don, and their son, David (Jean), her siblings, Dr. John “Buz” (Bobbie) Giannini, Jr., Diane (Tom) Evans, and Denise (Ches) Riddle as well as many nieces and nephews. She was a dearly loved grandmother to her grandchildren, Merrick and Campbell McLeod. Although she has left us to join her Heavenly Father, her friends and family will always hold close our memories of her love, kindness, never failing good humor and beautiful smile.
Visitation will be 12-6pm Sunday, January 15, 2017 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 235 Juneau Drive in Middletown. A celebration of Dona’s life will be 11am Monday, January 16th at the funeral home, with private burial to follow.
Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, www.lung.org.
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James Bruther
I think John has said it all. Dona was a genuine friend back in the day and my sincere condolences to her family. God Bless them all.
Pamela Nelson (Kimball)
So sorry to hear of Dona's passing! She was a great friend when we were at Stivers and
Waggener. We were in girl scouts together and went to Shantituck together. I remember her lovely smile and kindness to everyone.
Judith Straub
I am so sorry that Donna has died. She was a lovely, kind, generous person. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
J. Barney Neal
I am so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. Donna was a lovely person and full of love for others. We grew up together as we lived on the same block in Louisville as kids. Prepare a place for all of us to join you in the future.
Barney Neal
Susan Blayney (Gerard)
Dona and I became friends on the first day of 7th grade CORE. I was the 'new kid' and can't imagine how I would have done without her friendship. I was painfully shy and just like that I had a 'best friend' and, through her, many other new friends. I'm sorry I will not get another chance to tell her that.
Jennie Donnelly (Green)
Dona was a good friend from our days at Stivers through Waggener Jr/Sr High School. We spent a long time at the last reunion remembering our experiences in Girl Scouts together and at our beloved Camp Shantituck. She was always kind, fun, and a very sweet friend. We will all miss her.
Margo Tabler (Monohan)
Donna always had a smile on her face, a kind word for everyone, and a soft, melodious voice. I can still visualize she and the warmth she radiated. Eternal rest grant unto Donna, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of the Faithful departed rest in the love and mercy of God. May the warm memories she created for her family ease their sorrow and pain.
Marikeith Bishop (Wilson-Mercke)
I am so sorry to hear of Dona's passing. I just hits so close to home for all of us. We really never knnow what God has in store for us. I know her family has wonderful memories and they can never be taken away. She will be in all our hearts always.
Diane Beck (Ogle)
I first met Dona when I transferred to Waggener HS in the middle of the 7th grade. She had such a sweet smile and helped with my transition. Life went on, and it wasn't until 16 years ago that we ran into each other planning a HS reunion. I saw a woman who fearlessly lived her faith in every way. God had blessed her with many special gifts and she shared them with everyone she met. Dona lived Matthew 5:16. She will remain in my heart as an example to follow in my Christian journey.
Judi McMahon (Garth)
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Dona. She was a lovely lady in every respect and will be sorely missed.