Donna Jean (Leonard) Brammer

Donna Jean (Leonard) Brammer of Melrose passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and family on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Donna was born on July 9, 1952 to the late Blanche (Cline) Leonard and the late Dr. Walter Leonard.  Donna grew up in Melrose with her sister Terry Burke and the “Family of 11” - her cousins who were more like brothers and sisters; Stephen Colwell, Jeanne McCarthy, Joanne Colwell, Joseph Colwell and the late Marilyn Tortolano.  She is also survived by her beloved Aunt Marion Colwell and her late Uncle, Teddy Colwell.

Donna spent much of her childhood in both Melrose, Massachusetts and Elkins, West Virginia which she always spoke so fondly of.  She loved telling stories of running through the creeks, seeing the beautiful mountains and of course all the memories she had at “1053”.

Donna graduated from Melrose High School in 1970.  After that, she went onto many adventures.  Traveling out to California, trying out a few different jobs and she even went sky diving!  Shortly after, she found her way back to Melrose where she met the love of her life, and husband Kenneth Brammer.  Ken and Donna settled down in Melrose and started their own family.  Donna’s most favorite thing in the world was being a Wife, Mom, Nana and Great Nana and her family was everything to her.

Donna is the devoted mother of Matthew Brammer and his wife Lauren and Jen (Brammer) DiFiore and her husband Mike.  The adoring Nana to Kayleigh (Brammer) Gordon and her husband Jared, Jackson Brammer, Dylan DiFiore and Sunny Brammer, Donna is also the proud Great Nana to Milania and Ariella Gordon who she loved so very much! She is also the loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Donna was a woman of great faith who carried her love of God with her throughout her life. She passed that faith down to her children and grandchildren, teaching them through her words, her example, and the way she loved. Her faith gave her strength, comfort and hope, and it was a part of the foundation she built for her family.

Donna had a great knack for making everyone who knew her feel cozy, safe, loved and welcomed. Her love was warm, generous and unconditional, and those fortunate enough to know her knew that they always had a place in her heart.

Funeral services for Donna will be held privately but there will be a celebration of Donna’s life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider making donations in Donna’s name to the Melrose Humane Society, PO Box 760668, Melrose, MA 02176 or by referring to the link below.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome