Donna Jo LaBonar

Donna Jo LaBonar 79, was born on March 24, 1944, to the late Donald and late Joy (nee Foster) Eller and passed away June 26, 2023. Donna was the beloved wife of the late Leonard LaBonar; loving mother of Len (Michelle) Labonar, Matt (Hannah Cunningham) LaBonar, Amanda (Brian Kilborn) LaBonar; devoted grandmother of Hannah Labonar, Sarah Labonar and Joshua Labonar; dear sister of Glenda (late John) Lammel, Jane (Paul) Sharp and Judy Eller; fond aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Donna grew up in Trenton, NE, where she worked at her father’s grocery store, was drum major for the high school band, and was very involved with the community. Her independent and adventurous spirit took her to Chicago, IL, where she worked for Trans World Airlines (TWA). Donna enjoyed traveling the world, picking up tokens at every destination for her charm bracelet. She met her husband when he, a smitten, clever neighbor in the apartment complex, knocked on her door to borrow a cup of sugar—clearly an excuse to meet her. Donna and Len created a life together rooted in love and the joys of their world were their three children.

Donna spent significant time contributing to her family’s genealogy and was a member of the Daughters of the Revolutionary War. For fun, you could find Donna at the bowling alley with friends, playing cards with her in-laws, crafting something incredible or watching her favorite cooking programs. Donna never missed one of her children’s sporting events and was always on the sidelines cheering them on. Family may remember her best for her homemade holiday pies, crocheted baby blankets to welcome each new family member, and her subtle remarks that left everyone laughing. Donna loved talking on the phone with her sisters and visiting as much as possible. She held their sister trips close to her heart and loved each of them so much.

She will forever be Grandma Cookie to her grandkids as they grew up with her delicious baking and so much love at Grandma’s house. Donna’s grandchildren were her everything. Special memories include family trips to Disney resorts and road trips to Nebraska. Donna used her love of crafting and nurturing spirit to crochet hats for children with cancer and sewing blankets for rescue dogs. Donna adored all animals, especially the generations of pugs, which all started when she and Len adopted one for their sons.

She was the heart of the family when they endured struggles, and even in her own final battle with Alzheimer’s, she brought joy to so many. In her final years, you could find her dancing to Elvis Presley music, her absolute favorite, and spending every moment she could with her three beloved grandchildren. Thank you to all the very special people at Encore Memory Care in South Barrington for caring and loving Donna. The family cannot express enough gratitude.

May Donna rest in bliss with her love, Len, along with family, friends and beloved pets. Until we meet again, your love will continue to hold and guide us.

Friends and family will gather for a visitation on Friday, June, 30th, 2023 from 4 - 8 pm at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 East Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60004, where services will also be held Saturday, July 1st, 2023 at 11am. Interment will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pug Partners of Nebraska https://www.pugpartners.com/donate.

For funeral information, please call 847-253-5423 or lauterburgoehler.com

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lauterburgoehler.com for the LaBonar family.