Donna Marie Tessier-Leathers, 73, of Burlington passed peacefully in the arms of the Lord Jan. 2, 2025 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington. Donna was born March 24, 1951, in Burlington. She was the daughter of John and Ethal Bednar. Kindergarten through eighth grade Donna attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School. She continued her secondary education at Notre Dame High School graduating in 1969.
Donna and her ex-husband Max Tessier wanted kids but Donna was never able to have her own. Donna and Max adopted Amanda when she was four months old. Donna had more love to give and wanted more kids. It was at a singles dance she met her forever love Michael Leathers Sr. They married May 18, 1997 and she was blessed with three more wonderful children.
Working hard is all Donna knew how to do. She spent 12 years at OMC, 3 years at Lamont Limited, and spent 30 years at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown. Donna retired from IAA in 2016. After retirement, it was not long before she started working part-time at the Hungry Bear and Jerry’s Main Lunch. Throughout her time at IAA, Donna was a very active member of the Machinist Union Local 1010.
Donna loved animals and rescued several of her beloved pets from PAWS No Kill Shelter in Fort Madison. Donna had several interests and things she loved to collect. Upon entering her home it was evident she loved angels and cows. Donna loved watching Grey’s Anatomy with her husband. She loved dancing with her husband at various locations along with singing karaoke. It was also evident she loved talking about her kids and grandkids. She would beam with pride when speaking of their accomplishments.
Donna has a front row seat in heaven to serve as a guardian angel to her husband Michael: her sister, Sharon Gard of Mediapolis: her children, Steve (Sara) Leathers of Oxford; Amanda Tessier of Burlington; Tina (Michael) Richardson of Des Moines; and Mike (Nikki) Leathers of Sigourney: her grandchildren, Shelby, Kelsey, and Levi Leathers, Peyton and Keaton Leathers, Mathew Richardson: her great grandchild Amelia Richardson. Donna also leaves behind many friends she loved like family.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, uncle, brother-in-law, and nephew.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street, Burlington. A funeral service for Donna will conclude the visitation at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home. Elder Dorothy Winters to officiate the service. A time of food and fellowship will follow Donna's service at the IAMAW Machinist Hall, 16452 US-34 BUS, West Burlington.
Memorial contributions are suggested to PAWS No Kill Shelter in Fort Madison.
A private family committal will take place at a later date at Tioga Cemetery.
Please continue to keep Donna's family in your thoughts during this difficult time.