Obituary of Donna Leadbeater, New Waterford

Donna Leadbeater, age 57, of New Waterford, passed away peacefully on April 5th, 2024, after a short battle with cancer.

She dedicated 40 years of her life to the art of hairdressing. Her career, however, wasn’t just about styling hair; it was about uplifting spirits and boosting confidence. Donna poured her heart into her professional life. Donna’s true essence shined through in her unwavering generosity. She had a heart of gold, always eager to lend a hand to those less fortunate, even if it meant giving her last dime. Her selflessness and compassion touched countless lives. But above all, her greatest joy came from her family. She loved her sons, Jeffery MacDonald (Krystle) of Fort Saskatchewan and Jonathan Marangoni of Glace Bay. Her love for them was boundless and her presence in their lives was a source of unwavering support and affection. Her boys were her world. But Donna’s heart truly expanded with the arrival of her precious grandchildren, Lexi, Ariana, and Elijah. They brought immeasurable joy and laughter to her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Donna’s love for her grandchildren knew no bounds, and she delighted in showering them with affection and spoiling them with her endless love.

She was the beloved daughter of Sheila Leadbeater (Springall) and the late Earl Leadbeater, who tragically lost his life in the devastating explosion of No. 12 Colliery in 1973. Also left with broken hearts are her four siblings, Mary, Earl, Shirley and Joey, along with many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Their love and support enriched Donna’s life and brought her comfort always through the years.

She shared her life with her devoted partner, John Boutilier, whose love and companionship brought her immense happiness. John’s parents, Gwen Cole and Roy, were like family to Donna and she treasured their presence in her life. In addition to her immediate family, Donna embraced her role as a stepmother to Samantha and adored her step-grandchildren, Angel and Riley. She cherished every moment with them. Besides her Dad, Donna was predeceased by her special aunt, Shirley Leadbeater and her niece, Natasha Leadbeater who was like her own daughter and was no doubt the first one to greet her in Heaven; her very first love, Joey MacDonald, next to whom she will be laid to eternal rest in Calvary Cemetery, Bridgeport, NS.

As a devoted mother, daughter, sister, friend and accomplished hairdresser, Donna touched the lives of many with her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her and her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends and community. May Donna’s legacy of love and compassion serve as a beacon of light in the lives of those she leaves behind, and may she find eternal peace reunited with her beloved father.

Cremation has taken place under the care and guidance of Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 12 from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at 4 p.m. all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Deacon Lorne MacNeil officiating. A reception will follow in the funeral home. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery, Bridgeport, at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.