Donna grew up in the historic town of St. Andrews West, Ontario before continuing her education in Mississauga and Halifax. She acquired her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University.
Eventually she settled in Ottawa where she taught art at Laurentian, and then Nepean High School.
After retiring she moved to Perth, Ontario where she enjoys the music and art scene. She joined the Rideau Lakes Artists Association and Art Works! Perth, and has been showing her work locally as well as offering classes.