Donna Brinson

Donna Leah Bates Brinson, beloved mother, sister, partner, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, in Rochester, NY, at the age of 66. Born on July 18, 1957, in Huntsville, AL, Donna lived a life full of love, dedication, and adventure.

Donna graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communications and Journalism from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 1979. She dedicated 32 years to the United States Social Security Administration as a Program Analyst, retiring on December 31, 2014. Her hard work and commitment were recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Regional Commissioner Citation in 2010. Donna was also a passionate volunteer, actively supporting the Leeds High School Band Boosters from 1994 to 1999.

In retirement, Donna embraced her love for travel, exploring the world through over 30 cruises and trips to Aruba, Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii. She channeled her creativity into an Etsy business, selling monogrammed toilet paper with over 1,000 5-star reviews. She also discovered a love for line dancing in her later years and was an active member of the Red Hat Society, cherishing the camaraderie and friendships she found within these groups. Her determination and zest for life were evident even in her final days, as she lived every moment to the fullest after being diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer just seven weeks before her passing.

Donna was preceded in death by her father, William Martin Bates; her mother, Beatrice Inglis Bates; and her brothers, Billy Bates and Harold Bates. She is survived by her loving sisters, Dollie Pugh and Virginia Kidd; her devoted daughters, Shelley Meacham (spouse Jorge Alonso) and Shannon Allen; her significant other, Doug Gundlach (and his children Douglas, Samantha, and Stephanie); and her cherished grandchildren, Jayden, Dylan, Jenna, and Jared, who lovingly called her MiMi.

Donna's spirit and love touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.