Donna M. Leniski

Donna M. Leniski, 86, of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday evening, December 11, 2015.

Donna was born October 11, 1929 in Mishawaka, a daughter of the late Donald and Marie (Ramsey) Hirsch. She was a 1947 graduate of Mishawaka High School and lived her entire life in Mishawaka.

On February 24, 1951, Donna married Clement Joseph Leniski in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka. He preceded her in death in 1994.

In Donna’s earlier adult years she was a secretary at Ball Band, worked at South Bend Film Company and assisted in the family business, Clem Leniski and Sons, Inc. She then became a permanent homemaker.

Donna was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. For over 30 years she played cards in a women’s Canasta group. She enjoyed cooking and baking and had a great love for her animals.

Most of all Donna’s family was the center of her life. She had a special fondness for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always willing to listen and had the ability to raise everyone’s spirits.

Those left to cherish Donna’s memory include her six children, Karlene (Bill) Henshaw of Homewood, Illinois, Charmaine (Ray) Johnson of Mishawaka, Randy Leniski of Mishawaka, Joey (Kathy) Leniski of Mishawaka, Todd Leniski of Granger and David (Patti) Leniski of Mishawaka; a sister, Carolyn Umbaugh of Mississippi; a brother, Paul (Jan) Hirsch of Oregon; 19 grandchildren; and 32 great grandchildren.

Besides her husband, Clem; she was also preceded in death by a brother, Brenton Hirsch; and a sister, Joyce Keller.

Donna’s family would like to give thanks to her many caregivers over the years including her hospice nurses and special granddaughters.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, December 15, at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery.

Donna’s family will receive friends Tuesday from 9 - 10 am in the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Center for Hospice Care or Hannah’s House. Envelopes will be available Tuesday at the church.

Arrangements are under the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, Mishawaka.