Donna Richardson

When reflecting on the life of Donna Richardson, words such as gentle, confidant, and loving rise to the surface, but perhaps the word that depicts her best is caring. She lived her life to nurture and care for others in ways both great and small. Donna was a devoted mother who loved nothing more than being surrounded by the love of her family. She was spirited and lively with just the right amount of spunk thrown in, and she wasn’t ever concerned about what others thought of her either. Taken from her loved ones much too soon, Donna will be dearly missed while her memory is forever cherished.

The decade of the 1950s was certainly a colorful one. Technology was booming, spirits were high, and the baby boom was underway. The cultural fabric of our nation was transformed by poodle skirts, saddle, shoes, Barbie dolls, and coonskin hats, and with our introduction to shows like I Love Lucy we never looked at the American family the same. Amidst this vibrant time was the year 1955 that was filled with unspeakable joy for one young couple from Fairfield, Illinois, as they were blessed with the birth of the baby girl they named Donna into their hearts and home on July 22nd. She was welcomed into the world by her parents, Earl Richardson and Joann ‘Nonie Jo’ Travis, and was joined in her family by her two brothers, Ernie and Kevin, and her two sisters, Pam and Terri, in addition to her half-sister, Jeannie, and her half-brother, Larry.

In many ways Donna experienced a childhood that was typical for the youth of her generation. She loved being outdoors, especially camping and fishing, and she rode her bike to her grandparents’ restaurant to help cook whenever she could. As Donna grew into a teenager she was known for helping her family and friends in any way she could, and she also enjoyed playing softball.

Throughout her life there was never anything more important to Donna than being with her family. She was blessed with two wonderful sons, Jeffery and Damien, and they were the light of her life. Donna played a significant role in the lives of her sons, and she was a bit of a kid at heart herself so she often kept the mood light. Camping was a favorite family activity, and it was a special event when they strayed from typical “camping” foods and got to cook pizza on the hot plate. Always the life of the party, it was Donna who won the burping contest with the family, but only because she drank stale Diet Coke. Family reunions and gatherings in Cisne were times she looked forward to as well. There was rarely a dull moment when Donna’s boys were growing up. Jeff loved collecting fossils and was so proud to show them to his mother. However, Donna was less than thrilled when he brought home a certain “fossil” that was anything but a fossil. Jeff tried to pass a toad that he found while fishing off as a fossil, but Donna screamed in horror as it jumped at her. Of course she demanded that he get it outside immediately!

In addition to being with her family, Donna loved so many other things as well. For 18 years she worked at Pinnacle Opportunities at Collins Square. Donna loved being there, and the people were like her second family. She loved helping them, and in many ways they were like her kids, too. Donna enjoyed a memorable trip to Hawaii to see her sister, which was a highlight of her life. In her free time she kept busy with crocheting, and she also enjoyed watching NASCAR and the Chicago Bears. As her friends and family can attest, Donna was an Elvis fanatic as she collected all his movies and puzzles. She also served as the secretary for ASCFME Local 3348 and was a former Auxiliary Police Officer serving the Bradley Police Department.

All who knew Donna Richardson would agree that she was truly one of a kind. Her son, Jeff, describes her as the toughest, strongest, and most caring person around who was like dynamite in a small package. Donna has also been described as confident and independent, and everything she did was covered in a quiet strength that is to be admired. Life was not without times of trial for her, but she faced everything head-on with a graceful courage as her constant companion. A woman who was content in all things, Donna was a blessing in the lives of those too numerous to count.

Donna R. Richardson of Bourbonnais died on Tuesday, March 5, 2013. Donna’s family includes her two sons, Jeffery W. (Autumn) Jackson of Cayuga, IN and Damien M. (Ben Gart) Jackson of Chicago, IL; two brothers, Ernest E. (Kathryn) Richardson and Kevin “Skip” L. (Brenda) Richardson, both of Bradley, IL; two sisters, Pam Fisher of Kankakee and Terri M. (Joseph) Fox of Bourbonnais, IL; one half-sister, Jeannie Richardson of Warrens, WI; one half brother, Larry Richardson of Thoma, WI; 11 nieces and nephews; and 18 great-nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and JoAnn. A time of gathering will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2013 from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. at Schreffler Life Story Funeral Homes Bourbonnais Chapel. Another time of gathering will be held on Friday, March 8, 2013 from 12 PM until 1 PM at Hosselton Funeral home in Cisne, IL followed by an interment at Olive Branch Cemetery in Wayne City, IL. Memorials to Hospice of Kankakee Valley, the American Cancer Society, or to the family’s wishes would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.