Donna Marie Leiner
Ocean City

Donna Marie Leiner, age 70, passed away on March 8, 2025 after a courageous five-year battle with lymphoma.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Leiner; five children, Whitney Rothschild (husband Phil Rothschild), Alison Leiner, Chelsea Rafinski (husband Bartosz Rafinski), Jake Leiner (fiancée Rachel Harris) and,Melanie Leiner; and six beloved grandchildren, Ben (14), Evelyn (12), Nora (10), Charlie (9), Will (7), and Henry (3). Her seventh grandchild, Gabriel, is due to arrive any day.

Donna was born in Randallstown on June 7, 1954 to Joan and Leo Wenker. Raised by her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she knew love and strength from generations of strong women. She shared a special bond with her siblings, Wendy and Phil and sister-in-law, Chris. This bond was evident in their frequent lunches, canning days, and love for chatting about what each grandchild was accomplishing.

During childhood, Donna cherished family vacations at the beach. She graduated from Salisbury University and worked at The Bonfire Restaurant where she met and fell in love with her husband, Mark Leiner. The walls of the Bonfire hold countless memories that impacted Donna’s life. There, she worked as a waitress, married, made life-long friendships, and worked hard to ensure it was a well-run business. She cared about each employee as if they were her own child.

Donna and Mark married in October 1984. They raised five children and built a life filled with love, adventure, and devotion to their family and friends. Their home was always open to loved ones and was full of energy, laughter, and endless memories.

Donna enjoyed staying active. She loved to play tennis, read, volunteer at her church’s thrift store, and cook and bake for her loved ones. She was a genuine loyal friend, with a gift for making those around her feel seen.

Above all, being a mother was Donna’s greatest source of pride. She devoted herself unconditionally to her family, ensuring that each of her children were supported and encouraged to pursue their interests. She never missed a game, horse show, dance recital, or call for advice.

Donna’s grandchildren were the light of her life and brought her immeasurable pride and joy. Games of basketball, evening swims in the pool and cookouts, cheers from the sidelines, vacations, and ice cream dates were treasured not only by Donna and Mark, but also by their grandchildren. They were given these experiences by someone who wanted to know them and share in their lives. To them, she was their “Baba,” always present with open arms and an even bigger heart.

Throughout her courageous battle with lymphoma, Donna leaned on Melanie, her rock and devoted caregiver. Donna never lost her will to fight, her faith in God’s love for her, or her ability to see the best in people.

Donna’s memory will shine on every beach day, Sunday dinner, Christmas morning, and snuggle with her dog, Pink. Her passing is an immeasurable loss — she was the pillar of her family, and her love will continue to shine through those who were lucky enough to know her. May her memory be eternal.

A service will be held at Atlantic United Methodist Church, 105 4th St. Ocean City, Md. 21842, on Friday, March 14 at 1 p.m. Visitation will be offered from noon-1 p.m.