Lesley Marleen O'Donnell, 92

Lesley Marleen O’Donnell

March 30, 1933 — Oct. 7, 2025

Lesley Marleen O’Donnell, 92, of Jewel Lake, Idaho, passed away peacefully Oct. 7, 2025. 

Marleen was born March 30, 1933, in Faulkton, S.D., to Gordon and Dorothy Mooney. When she was two years old, her family moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, where she spent the remainder of her life. Over the years, she made her home in Grouse Creek, Sunnyside, Dover, and finally at Jewel Lake.

In her youth, Marleen was a hardworking and spirited young woman. She rode horses, worked on the farm, and helped raise her younger siblings, Gary, Sharon, and Darrel. She began driving tractor in the spud fields at just 12 years old and carried that same work ethic throughout her life.

Marleen married Don Kohal, and together they had two children, Alan and Janice. Later, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” O’Donnell, and they were blessed with two daughters, Jacalyn “Jackie” and Billie “Peanut.” Marleen and Bill shared many adventures together, including their time working at a fish camp in Dillingham, Alaska. 

Marleen worked in a variety of places throughout her life, including the Copper Penny, the Elks Lodge, Harold’s IGA, and Fournier’s Cut Shop in Kootenai. She was a devoted homemaker and a talented seamstress, hairdresser, and crocheter. Her pies were well-loved at the Methodist Church booth during fair time, and she took great pride in her garden.

She enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. She loved to dance and sing, even singing with the bands downtown here and there. Marleen also cherished her many lifelong friendships, especially those with Rene Ames, Oneita Keener, Pat Brown, Mary Stevens, and the “Dover Gals.”

Marleen will be remembered for her fiery personality, her sense of community, and the love she had for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” O’Donnell; her son, Alan Kohal; her infant daughter, Janice; her parents, Gordon and Dorothy Mooney; and her siblings, Gary Mooney, Sharon Mooney and Larry O’Donnell. 

She is survived by her daughters, Jackie Kennedy and Billie Alderman; her grandchildren, Stephanie Rief, Roberta Cestnik, Jennifer Brown, Melissa Alderman, David Alderman, Angela, Tim, and Matt; her great-grandchildren, Shelbee Rief, Lakotah Erickson, Cheyanne Erickson, Riley Cestnik, Brandon Brown, Courtney Brown, Charlie and Teague Alderman, Kya and Colton Alderman, James, Paislee and Ava; her great-great-grandchildren, Remington, Haevyn, Ozzy, Haze, Charlotte, Maya, and Violet. Her siblings, Darrel Mooney, Marge Hulquist, Betty O’Donnell, Chieko Mooney and Chuck Heath.  

A celebration of life will be held Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Coffelt Funeral Service in Sandpoint, followed by a potluck gathering at the Dover Community Hall.

Marleen’s life was one of hard work, sass, laughter and faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and forever remembered in the hearts of her family and friends.

The family wishes a special thank you to all the medical professionals and friends and family who helped take care of Marleen.

Family and friends are invited to sign Lesley's online guestbook at coffeltfuneral.com

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.