MIDDLETON - Donna Buse McLeod, age 91, of Middleton, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021. She was born on April 11, 1930, in Oregon City, Ore., the daughter of Walter Buse and Lucia (Macklin) Buse.

Donna graduated from West Linn High School (Oregon). She received an undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon, and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin. She enjoyed a career as a social worker and family therapist at Briarpatch in Madison. She was a member of the League of Women Voters and the Humanists of Greater Portland.

Donna was an ardent humanist and world traveler to such places as the Galapagos and Trobriand Islands. She was a skilled oil painter, and loved to sing, dance, and to write and perform song parodies. She returned frequently to her family cabin on Mount Hood (which she climbed three times). Here, she swam, hiked and painted. She also loved to cook and throw great parties. Her family and friends were most important to her.

Donna is survived by her son, Douglas M. (Kathryn) McLeod; her daughter, Katy L. McLeod; their father, Jack M. McLeod; and four grandsons, Ethan A.E. McLeod, Dylan E.E. McLeod, Aidan O.E. McLeod and Jon X. McLeod. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, David Buse.

Please join us for a reception to celebrate the life of Donna B. McLeod at the FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, 2022. Visitors are invited to share memories with Donna’s family. Light refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Briarpatch (https://youthsos.org), 2720 Rimrock Road, Madison, WI 53713. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Donna B. McLeod

April 11, 1930 - October 20, 2021

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