Donna J. McDonald

In the late evening on Wednesday, September 22nd, Donna J McDonald passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. She was 87 years old when God called her home.

Donna was born to Irene and Jerome Cummings in 1934. She had six siblings, Ed Cummings (wife Bea), Whitey Cummings (wife Joan), Mary Lou Cunningham (husband Skip), John Cummings (wife Jean), Jan Ruyts (husband Bob), and Fred Cummings (wife Sharon).

She married John Paul “Jack” Walther in 1951 and remained married to him until his passing in 1977. They have two daughters, Frances Irene Muffoletto, and Diane Marie Hetzer (husband Dan). Donna remarried Robert “Bud” McDonald after Jack’s passing. They remained married more than 20 years, until Bud’s passing in 2002. Donna has two grandsons, Pino John Muffoletto (wife Patricia) and James Paul Rabey (wife Tina), five great-grandchildren - Marco Muffoletto, Roman Muffoletto, Michael Rabey (wife Rachel), Maisy Rabey and Mia Rabey. She also has three great-great-grandchildren-Bentley, Addyson and Harper Rabey (parents are Michael and Rachel).

Donna spent 33 years working in a variety of roles at AT&T in downtown Chicago. She then worked as a librarian for 10 years at Triton College in River Grove. After Triton, she worked part-time at a local animal hospital. During her working years, she also served as the Board President of her condo association for 20 years. She completely retired in 2008.

Donna was an outgoing person who loved life. She enjoyed spending time with all the generations of her family from her daughters down to her great-great-grandchildren. She hosted many holiday parties, enjoying an occasional scotch and frequent laughs. She was an amazing cook and especially liked baking delicious homemade desserts to share with family and friends. She often delivered homemade meals to loved ones who were ill. No matter the occasion, big or small, she always had a kind word or action, a bit of wisdom, or a warm hug to share with all present. She was always at family parties, birthdays and holiday celebrations. Donna was an amazing woman who will be sorely missed by her family and all those who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace, until we meet again, Go Bears (she was a huge fan who loved watching the Bears games)!

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021 starting with a one-hour visitation at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 7211 W. Talcott Avenue (Harlem Ave. and Talcott Ave.), Chicago 60631, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 3100 N. Thatcher Avenue (Belmont Ave. and Cumberland Ave.), River Grove 60171.