Donna Marie Armstrong, 73, of Belvidere, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 8, 2021 with family at her side, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Donna was born to the late Joseph and Dorothy (nee Gennett) Templeton on November 20, 1947 in Chicago. She lived a career in service to others, first as a respiratory therapist, and then as a registered nurse for almost 40 years.
Being surrounded by family was the most important thing to Donna. She cherished her daughters, instilling in them strong morals and values. She herself was cherished by family, loved by friends, and highly respected by her peers. Known by many as Mama Donna, she put others in front of herself, advocating for animals and people equally. She lived a full life and found joy in dancing, cooking, canning, crocheting, and gardening. She also loved her community and showed this love by cooking meals for neighbors and the local fire departments.
Whether you are a daughter, grandchild, sister, friend or co-worker, you learned from what she so willingly loved to share: family first, trust your faith, work hard, follow the golden rule, eat well, enjoy life, dance and watch out for the "spoon".
She was an angel on Earth and will be dearly missed. We all hold a special place in our hearts for her. Her legacy (including her famous giardiniera recipe) lives on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will never be forgotten.
Donna is survived by her children, Donna (Mark) Apostle, Judy (Mike) Bender, and Jean Kirsten (Mark) Weger; her grandchildren, Nick, Anthony (Anna), Alexa (Gary), Justin, Shannon (Evan), Jonathan, Peter, Daniel, Alaina, Patrick, Anthony, and MeeNa; her great grandchildren, Evan, Gabriel, Sophia, Alric, and a 5th one arriving in March; her life-long companion, MaryAnn “Nana” Savaiano; her sister, Diana Reece; her nephew, Joseph Reece; and many beloved pets.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Dorothy Templeton; and her brother, Donald Templeton.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 12pm to time of service at 2:30pm. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Donna’s name can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/ or to Shriners Hospitals for Children https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/158250/#!/donation/checkout
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It was a pleasure to know her. She was an amazing woman. Always caring and treated me as a grandchild. Gave me advice. Always checked on me. Truly amazing grandma.
Our sincerely condolences on your loss. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts. God Bless...
I did not know your mom, but I do know her daughter Donna and heard so many wonderful things about your mom through Donna. What an incredible woman, mother, grandma, friend, and nurse she must have been! I am so deeply sorry for your loss of such an amazing person. Please know you are in the thoughts and prayers of my family during this difficult time
You'll be missed momma donna
Our deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. Hugs and kisses
Mama Donna was a wonderful woman. She never held back her opinion and was always there for a shoulder to talk to. She will be deeply missed. My heart is with all her family❤
I’m so sorry for your loss. Donna was “Grandma Donna” to my grandson, and I loved her so much for loving him the way she did. She will be missed beyond words. We’ll never forget this beautiful, compassionate, thoughtful lady.
Donna was a special nurse who I came to know and respect. We didn't always agree, but that was OK with both of us. Donna is one of thos nurses that I tell stories about from the experiences that we had together. A great lady who I was proud to know. Rest in peace.
She was one of the best! She will never be forgotten. She taught many nurses to be great nurses. She taught me a lot throughout my nursing career. She was always there for everyone and always willing to help. May you Rest In Peace Mama Donna ❤️
Donna helped me become the nurse I am. A person you could always depend on. Our love of animals made us friends. Rest In Peace dear friend.
My sincerest condolences. I met her once and have heard nothing but great things about her. Her career as a nurse is truly commendable. May she rest in peace. Your family is in my prayers.