Donna Jean Leavitt

Donna Jean Leavitt passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026 in Boone, NC at the age of 77.

Donna was born on September 5, 1949 to Donald Schading and Jean Van Graafeiland in Rochester, NY. She grew up with a love for learning and earned an associates degree. She worked as a histology technician and retired from Watauga Medical Center, where she dedicated her career to helping others.

Outside of work, Donna found joy in the simple things she loved. She was an avid knitter and loved to make things for the ones she loved. Cooking was another passion of hers and always had the house smelling amazing.

She had a profound love for animals and had many dogs and cats that brough her joy and laughter over the years. Her cats, Kitty, Clementine, Squeaky, and Tinky, as well as her dogs, Mackey, Mitzi, Prince, and Molly were very special to her and now walk at her side once again.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents Donald Schading and Jean Van Graafeiland, her brother-in-law, James Martin, and her nephew, Jack Martin.

She is survived by her son, Derek A. Schatz; her sister, Nancy Martin; her niece, Andrea Martin; and her nephew, David Martin.

A celebration of life will be on Sunday Sept. 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Appalachian Brian Estates in Boone, North Carolina.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Leavitt family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Jean Leavitt, please visit our floral store.