Donna Leali-Bielli, age 64, loving wife, mother and grandmother of Watkinsville, GA, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2014.
Born on August 2, 1949 in Chicago, IL, she was the daughter of Robert J. and Gladys J. Leali both of Chicago, IL. Formerly of Roswell, GA, Donna followed a satisfying career as a Montessori teacher with a second career in horticulture.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Stephen Bielli, of Watkinsville; son and daughter in law, Dominic and Jennifer Bielli, of Athens; daughter, Toni Bielli, of Cairo, GA; and two grandchildren, Dominic Bielli Jr., and Genevieve Bielli.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support in Athens, GA or to the Athens Area Humane Society.
Lord and Stephens, West is in charge of arrangements.
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Peace Love and Light to the family and friends of Donna my eldest sister.
Robert Peter Leali
April 28, 2018
Donna was a very good women. I'm sorry to hear of her passing. Thoughts and prayers.
Scott
Friend
March 20, 2018
My dearest and best friend has been taken from me. She will forever hold a place in my heart. She is now at peace. Bob & I hold such wonderful memories of our time with her & Steve.
May 21, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Bielli family. Donna was a wonderful person and an awesome teacher! I enjoyed working with her at Casa Montessori school so much. She always had a smile and cared so much for her students. May God grant comfort and peace to her family.
Andrea Winders
May 15, 2014
Our sympathy to Steve, Nick, Toni, and all of Donna's family. A beautiful spirit has been lost. Richard and Renette Monson
May 12, 2014
Donna touched so many people each day. We met her through Cofer's and purchased many items because of her free information and kind spirit. When we look at our special "button bush", we will remember her with a smile. May your family find peace after being blessed by a lifetime with such a remarkable woman.
Craig and Robyne Westfall
May 9, 2014
For Donna my best friend and beautiful sister. Forever in my heart.
Mary Leali
May 8, 2014
Dear Steve, Nick and Toni,
We are so sad to realize that Donna has passed from life on Earth. Now that she rests in the arms of the Lord, her perilous journey with cancer and all the suffering are ended. Now she is ready to receive God's reward of peace and eternal life. We hope that fond memories of her life with you and the prayers and support of your (and her) many friends will bring you some solace in this difficult time of sorrow and loss. May God give you strength and courage to carry on! God bless you always! With our love, Sheila and Roger Meyer
May 5, 2014
Steve and Family,
I read about Donna's passing in the Duluth MN newspaper. The Leali family was a big part of my life back in the Sawbill Lodge days. I remember when you were married and moved to Georgia.
Gladys kept me informed for years on all eight children. Everything I am reading is just how I remember her.
I am very sorry for your loss.
MaryBeth Dunder (Tofte, MN)
May 5, 2014
Steve, we were very sorry to hear of your wife's passing. May God bless you and give you strength through this trying time. Sincerely, Larry & Carolyn Tyner
Larry & Carolyn Tyner
May 5, 2014
Our dear Donna has left us with so many lovely memories of a woman gifted with so many gifts, talents and just plain goodness. Always the straight talker Donna did not equivocate - you always knew where she stood on the important things in life. Her wit, her humor, her love of music and dance will remain with us as we begin the process of not having her and at the same time we will have those powerful memories of a kind, wonderful friend who loved her family more than anything else in this world. She adored her grandchildren and was awed by Dominic's incredible musical gifts and Genevieve's kind and good heart - and they loved her. Steve was her 'Rock' and Toni her best friend while she also loved seeing Nick blest with a wife very much like Donna herself, a warm, good, kindhearted and beautiful Jen who shared in loving Nick who was always a kind and good fella. Donna was so proud of Toni and Nick and so happy that they were her beloved children. Today one friend said to me that she did not see Donna very often recently but when they met it was like time had not passed by - that they picked up where they last left off. And that is Donna's gift to all of us; she is gone but we will remember her as she was. For myself my happiest memory of Donna was from 10 years ago
while we were celebrating my daughter's wedding - Donna and the uncle of the Groom danced like they were teenagers and finally everyone else stopped dancing to watch her incredible dancing while Nick's band played on - she loved rock and roll and life. Donna, I could go on writing about you forever there are so many uniquely Donnaisms that our family talk about going back over the past 33 years. We loved you all that time and always will. You brought such life and joy to all of us. We are sad for Steve, Toni, Nick and Jen and Genevieve and Dominic but we are very glad that though the time was short we still had you as a friend. Love, Martha and family.
May 4, 2014
Sarah (who is 21 now) spent 4 years in Donna's class at Casa. Donna loved Sarah and Sarah loved Donna. They were a great match! Donna was very intuitive, had a great sense of humor and really believed in the potential of our children. She will be sorely missed! Sending hope for comfort and blessings to her family.
Susan Wasko
May 4, 2014
Donna brought light, love and laughter to everyone at Casa and beyond. I feel grateful that we got to spend time with her and send our sympathy to Steve and the family. She lived her life well and leaves many appreciative for all she shared.
Kathy Kestin
May 4, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes West Chapel
May 4, 2014
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