Dona Lee Teske

Dona Lee Teske, 82, formerly of Catharine Court in Montour Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, acceptance, and unwavering thoughtfulness. Born in Clifton Springs, NY, Dona graduated from Dundee Central School in 1961 before attending the Rochester, Minnesota School of Cosmetology.

Dona was the devoted mother of two daughters, Shelly Teske Delio of Bath, NY, and the late Lorrie Teske Newman of Painted Post, NY. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters, Joan Horton of Penn Yan, NY, and Mary Jane Cloutier of Clark Grove, MN, and by her brother, Jame Gaston of Pittsford, NY. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marian Welch Gaston and Charles Gaston; her brother, Gary Gaston; her sister, Gwen Allen; her daughter, Lorrie Newman; and her great-granddaughter, Charlotte Delio. 

After settling in Savona, New York, Dona became well known as the neighborhood Avon lady throughout the 1980s and 90s. She later owned and operated Acreage Antiques in Savona, NY, a business that reflected her appreciation for the stories behind treasured objects. After 15 years raising her granddaughter, she ventured west, spending 20 joyful years living in Arizona before returning to New York in 2021 to retire in Montour Falls. 

Dona was a member of Odessa Baptist Church, where she happily volunteered as a dishwasher for community dinners—never one to shy away from helping where she was needed. She was an avid letter writer, faithfully sending cards and notes to friends near and far; if you didn’t receive one from her, it was only because she didn’t have your address. 

Dona accepted everyone as they were, finding joy in the simple act of sharing four-leaf clovers she found with friends—small tokens of luck and love she offered freely. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, her family encourages you to honor Dona’s spirit by sending a card to a friend and bringing a bit of sunshine to their day. 

As we close out her final square dance, she would sing, “’Tis sweet to be remembered on a bright or gloomy day. ’Tis sweet to be remembered by a dear one far away.” 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.vedderscottzinger.com