Donna Leigh Skoien

Donna Leigh Skoien, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her memory care home in Fuquay-Varina after several years with dementia.

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Donna grew up in Knightdale with her family and was surrounded by her extended family. She attended Millbrook High School, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the girls’ basketball team. It was there that she met Rickie Barbour, whom she later married. They raised two children, Stephanie and Jason, and were together for 17 years before divorcing.

For many years, Donna worked as an administrative assistant at BNR, a role she loved. She built lasting friendships with her colleagues, enjoying laughter, lunches, and countless special moments together.

Donna had a curious spirit and loved exploring her spirituality. She also enjoyed spending time with her dogs over the years — Maurie, Bailey, Rudy, Cocoa, and Charlie — and relaxing by the beach, where she found peace in the sound of the waves. She also had a natural gift for connecting with people, making friends at her neighborhood grocery store, McDonald’s, and gas station.

Above all, Donna cherished time with her family and extended family, with a special relationship with her grandmother, Ethel, to whom she was especially close. She loved to laugh, had deep empathy for others, and a kind smile. Throughout her life, Donna met challenges with courage and perseverance.

Donna is preceded in death by her mother, Daphine Lassiter Mogilnicki; her father, Russell Skoien; her stepfather, Alfred Mogilnicki; and her stepmother, Martha Skoien.

Donna is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Kurak, and son, Jason Barbour, as well as her grandchildren, Savannah, Jacob, Brantley, and Georgia; her half-sister, Allyson Skoien, who is married to Michael and their children, Anders and Anna-Marit (Donna’s nephew and niece); and her half-brother, Russell Skoien.

She is forever in our hearts and will be sorely missed.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Terra Bella in Fuquay-Varina for their care and kindness, and to Gentiva Hospice for their support in her final days.

A visitation will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, located at 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609, on February 12, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dementia Alliance of NC. https://dementianc.org