Donalda Ruth Leckie

Donalda passed away peacefully on September 3rd, 2026 at Pinecrest Home for the Aged surrounded by her family.

Donalda was the beloved wife of Garnet Barrie and the loving mother of her three daughters Brenda, Nancy, and Barbara. She was a wonderful mother-in-law to Steve, Tim, and Rick and a loving grandmother to her seven granddaughters Chelsea (Gabriel), Stephanie (Zia), Jennifer (Taurean), Michelle (Rob), Laura, Christine, and Kyla (Blair). Donalda had three great grandsons Aiden, Elliot and Tristan and one great granddaughter, Livia. Donalda was thrilled at the news of the upcoming arrival of one more great grandson and a great granddaughter. She also had two sisters-in-law, Joy and Jacqueline, many cousins, nieces, and nephews that she has loved and connected with over the years. She will be missed by all.

Donalda was born on July 11,1929 in Balcarres, Saskatchewan. She was a true prairie girl, born and raised on the farm and with the work ethic to match. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy with Distinction at the University of Saskatchewan. The sacrifice made by her parents to send her to university made a huge impact on her. Education was always important to Donalda, and she continued her learning throughout her life. After working in Pharmacies in Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg, she married the love of her life, Barrie Leckie. They had met in pharmacy school at the University of Saskatchewan and then he went on to become a medical doctor. They settled in Kenora in 1959 and made this area their home to raise their family. They loved the Kenora area, especially the time they spent at their camp on Dogtooth Lake. Donalda followed in her mother’s footsteps and had such beautiful flowers, both at their home on Heenan Place and at camp. She enjoyed swimming, boating, blueberry picking, and even loon counting for the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey.

Donalda had a wonderful relationship with her three daughters, their husbands, and her seven granddaughters, encouraging them to pursue their interests and education, supporting them along the way. She said they were her life and strength. Even at 97, she stayed connected with all of them as well as other family and friends by messaging them on her iPad. She was a source of wisdom, love, and support for all of us.

Knox United Church was a very special place for Donalda. She spent time there teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, quilting, being a member of the UCW, and learning and sharing through her book studies. Her faith guided her throughout her life. Donalda also spent many years volunteering for the Kenora District Festival of the Arts. She loved music and played the piano in her youth. Watching the musical growth of the festival participants over the years brought her much joy. Donalda truly loved the cultural events in Kenora. She sang in the G Clef choir and always supported their concerts.

This community embraced Donalda over the years especially after Dad’s passing – checking in on her, helping her out, visiting her, and bringing her food. We appreciate every one of you. Donalda cherished her many friends very much – they were so very important to her!

Donalda was predeceased by her husband Dr. Garnet Barrie Leckie, her sisters Edna and Betty, and brothers-in-law John, Doug, Bruce, and Newton.

We would like to thank the staff at the Lake of the Woods Hospital for the care and support they provided over the past year. Donalda also received wonderful in-home support from Home and Community Care, Paramed and Community Support Services the past few years before entering Pinecrest Home. Once in Pinecrest, she enjoyed the many activities, dining with fellow residents, and enjoying the beautiful garden. The family would like to thank the wonderful, caring staff for her care at Pinecrest over the past few months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. As you go through your daily life, we hope you will remember Donalda with love in your heart and hands to help others. The funeral will be held sometime next summer when all of Donalda’s family can gather.