Donna Halstead Obituary

Although it has been some 100 days since Aunt Donna's untimely death, we remember her life and mourn her passing. I send again my family's condolences and prayers and wishes for the peace and well-being of David, Mary and all the family. May you all find comfort in each other, and in your faith and memories.

Donna was a rare and wonderful person. A beautiful, dignified and dynamic lady who was as graceful as she was charming.

She hosted us at the Grande Lux Cafe during our vist to Chicago just a month before she died, and we tresure the memory.

Donna had great poise and elegance even with the difficulties of age and illness and I will always be grateful that she shared her time and those graces with us. We were all inspired by her courage and dignity.

With love and best wishes to all our family.

To all the loved ones of Donna Halstead, we can only send you our love and comfort in the loss of such a dear lady. We have only known her for a few years, as genealogy brought us together as cousins, but the family tie will keep our hearts together forever. We so enjoyed hearing Donna's stories and sharing her infectious sense of humor at the Wilson Family Reunions. We will miss her terribly ...but will remember her forever. With love, Dee and Julie Wilson

Memories i have so many,my brother & I grew up with the Miller family in the old neighborhood in chgo,I've known Donna since I was 6,she was so lovely and had a passion for life to keep on going the best she could after some pitfalls she encountered,she kept working,she was always involved with her family,she was my idol,my sympathies to her family and her siblings which I love dearly,God Bless all,we're praying for the family

To my cousins: Your Mom was a very special person and I remember many good times when we were growing up. I'm so happy she was a part of my life and she will be missed.
Love, Gary

Donna was truly a remarkable person and as a sister-in-law I will always remember the good times,the laughs (and there were many) but also the tears that shaped her character. Life threw Donna several curves but she handled them with grace, class, and a lot of hard work. I will remember Donna as the beautiful,strong and intelligent woman any family would be proud to have. She really was a class act.

Donna was my supervisor, but also a mentor and a friend. She was an elegant woman with a wonderful sense of fun. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this extraordinary woman. Thank you, Donna, for your friendship and words of wisdom. You are missed.

Our deepest sympathies to the Rubino and Beaver families on the loss of their mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. We only met her a few times, but your mom was a brave a gracious person.

We have been so delighted that Donna and the other "Miller" girls and boys have shown up in our lives as long lost cousins. We have only known this group for about 6 years since we started the Wilson Reunion in Crescent City. What a delightful group of individuals. The girls have made me laugh so much. I never dreamed after our first meeting that the Millers would have filled up such a spot in my heart. I have enjoyed reading these wonderful comments about Donna and all I can say is "Ditto" to them. Even though we did not know her long, she was a super lady and we came to love her very much. Our sympathies and prayers go to all of her family.

You had such class - such style - along with a great sense of humor. I loved the way you and Kevin would spar back and forth as to who was right on history facts or news or whatever! I don't think you realized what a positive impact you had on so many lives. We will miss you terribly but we know you're in heaven with your Mom and Dad – in a place where you will no longer suffer any pain. God bless you. You truly had a wonderful life.

She was a good person, she lived a good life, and she is very much missed. May we all have this as an epitaph...

So sorry to hear about Donna, I (Jim) lived accross the street for many years on Lowe Avenue. Our prayers are with the family. Jim & Bev Bartels

you al



You always ran the tightest ship in the fleet Aunt Donna. We'll always have great memories of all the good times our families had gettin together.Dave, Mary and the kids, we truly have one more angel watchin over us all. love you with all our hearts, your nephew and 1st cuz Mark, Sharon and Jami Glazewski. we love you!

Donna, I will never, ever forget what you told me in the MS Society kitchen about the secret of a happy life: always believe in your ability to learn and do new things, and you'll never have any regrets. You are terribly missed at the Society. May your memory be for a blessing, always.

Donna was one of the greatest people I have ever met. I knew her when she was first my boss, and then my friend, at State Farm. She was extremely kind, intelligent, and strong, and her wickedly delightful sense of humor lent itself to many moments of laughter. I greatly admired her refined sense of style and her exacting mannerisms – a true lady in every sense of the word. She was so proud of her lovely family, and my prayers are with you all as you celebrate her amazing life. She is greatly missed.

Our sincerest sympathies go out to the Rubino Family. We hope that the loving, wonderful memories you had will keep your hearts warm and occasionally bring a smile to your faces.
With love,
Dan Reid and Family

Donna had such a wide range of interests,and I enjoyed talking to her about politics and current events. She was also gifted with a great sense of humor.
Brother-in-law
Rich Sufak

I loved my sister Donna so. One of my happiest childhood memories of Donna is this: I was about 9 years old, she bought me a new dress, and took me to a play. That was the beginning of a lifelong love of theater. She inspired so many people in so many ways. She was blessed to have such wonderful kids, in-laws, and grandchildren. Mary and David, our faith tells us that you'll be reunited with your Mom in a place too beautiful to even imagine. Energy never dies, it just changes form.
Love, Aunt Kathleen

Beautiful, strong, independent, witty, wise, thoughtful and loving. Those words are just a few befitting of my Aunt Donna. She was a class act, through and through. Love and prayers to all of my family across the miles. Aunt Donna, you are a part of my heart and soul forever. I love you. Your niece , Lori.

To my big sister Donna: Words cannot express how empty I feel at the thought of no more phone calls and visits. You were a role model and mentor to so many and you will be missed terribly. Heaven now has a new angel to watch over us. My heart is broken, but I know I will see you one day again. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and Dave and the kids.
I'll love you always,
Your sister Maura

Grandma,
I am so thankful that I was able to spend as much time with you as I had these past few years. It was a wonderful gift getting to know you as more than my Grandmother, but as the strong, beautiful, independent woman that you were. I will miss our time together and your stories more than you will ever know. Your advice was treasured, and I can't imagine a life without it. Thank you for simply being the best. I love you.

I worked with Donna when she was at the State's Attorney's Office. After she left the office, I always enjoyed running into her downtown because she was so cheerful, full of news, and fun to talk to. We will all miss her.

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Dear Mary,
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes to you and your family. I know that nothing can take this pain away, but please know that my prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I want you to know even though we have been apart for many years, you are thought of often and I am here if you need me. Love, Lorrie

To the family of Donna Halstead may God give you comfort and peace by means of prayer - Philipians 4:6,7. My deepest sympathy

To the Miller Family, I was so sorry to hear about Donna. My prayers are with you all. If I can be of any help please let me know.

Grandma, you were truly a blessing to each pulse of my heart. Your supportive actions and ideas were superior to my everyday life. All of your care and concern will never be forgotten. You were the absolute best with your ham sandwiches included. There isn't a day that will pass by where I forget your well being. I'm gonna miss you Grandma; you cannot be replaced. Love always, Tony <3

Donna You will always be remembered in our hearts Our prayers are with Your daughter Mary and Chris and Michael and Brendon through their time of sorry Sincerely Yvonne Beaver and Gerald Stainbrook

Mary, Chris & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of your mom. I know you were very close, and I remember how lovingly you always spoke about your mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ann Marie & Dan Coglianese

Donna, you were one of the nicest people I've ever worked for. I still remember the day you hired me at State Farm. You were a great boss and even better mentor. You had more faith in me than I had in myself most of the time. You will be missed by so many.

Dear Mary & David, I was shocked to see the article in paper re: Donna. Please know how many years we were friends, how many lunches, and SO many fond memories, many jobs together and what a wonderful mentor your mom was to me, and to many more. My heart is heavy with grief. Val Kruk

Grandma,

You have been a role model to me in so many ways. You have taught me countless life lessons that I will carry on with me always. I am forever grateful to have such a strong, independent, caring woman to look up to. I am extremely proud to be your only grand daughter. Your spirit and legacy lives on through all of us. You are and forever will be my angel. I love you.

Sarah

Grandma I miss you terribly and will forever be grateful of all the love and support you not only gave to me but everyone around you. Our time together was cut short just as I was about to have the chance to spend more time together.
I will still look forward to my bagged lunches.
I love you
Brendan

Donna, You were the most wonderful Mother-In-Law anyone could ask for. You were so dear to me. You were my mentor, advisor and rock. Your legacy will live with me forever and I will truly miss you. Love, Linda

Mom thank you for all you have done for me.
Accepting me into your family with loving arms when Mary and I first got together and all the help you gave us was unbelievable. You have always been a woman I have respected and admired.
I loved you as if you were my own mother.
I will miss you with all my heart.

Mother,
You have been and always will be our guiding light and compass. You were beautiful inside and out and were one of the strongest women this world has known. You have instilled love, faith, kindness, compassion, confidence and generosity in your family and your legacy will live on in this generation and those to come. You will be forever loved, missed, cared for and prayed for every day and we know your spirit will fill our hearts and souls forever. I love you.

Mom you were our guiding light and compass. You gave us all your love and strength and instilled confidence, kindness, compassion and generosity in each of us. We will be better people in this life because of you and can only hope to carry on the legacy of such a remarkable woman. You will be forever loved, missed, cared for and prayed for and we know your spirit and love will continue to guide us. I love you.

Mary

Donna and I graduated from Englewood High School in June, 1953. I remember her as being a really friendly and outgoing classmate. We connected a few years ago on Classmates.com and she told me she was living downtown,but unfortunately we didn't keep up.
When I saw her picture in the paper, I thought, she looks familiar. Then saw the obit in the Sun Times. I still have our 1953 yearbook with her photo My condolences to the family.

Thank you so much for everything mom; you were the epitome of perseverance and class. Love you

God of our ancestors in faith, by the covenant made on Mount Sinai You taught Your people to strengthen the bonds of family through faith, honor, and love. Look kindly upon Donna, a mother who sought to bind her children to You. Bring her to Your heavenly home where the saints dwell in blessedness and peace.

Donna has been such a dear friend to my mother, grandmother my brothers and myself for so many years that she truly has become part of our family. She was a lovely, elegant and generous woman who always had something interesting to add to any conversation. I was blessed to know her. I was so deeply sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.