Donna M. VanGeest (nee Alletto), 75, of Lake in the Hills, died peacefully at her home on May 30, 2023.
Donna was born December 4, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of James and Carmella Alletto. She was a loving mother, devoted grandmother, and dear sister. Donna enjoyed cooking and doing crossword puzzles, but her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Michael Miraglia, James Miraglia and Jennifer (Christopher) Miraglia-Tex, by her grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Dylan, Gina, Evan, and Jessica, and by her brother, James (Debbie) Alletto.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Ida, and by her daughter-in-law, Meredith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children Research Hospital. No services are planned at this time. For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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We will miss Donna so much, she was such a sweet person, always had kind words to say to us when we saw her.
I am so sorry for your loss. May God Bless you and your families! No more pain, no more suffering. Donna is dancing and watching you from above! Rest in Peace Donna! You will be missed.
She was a very kind and and loving Grandmother and Mom. God Bless her.
Dear Michael, Jimmy and Jennifer, We are so very sad
Dear Michael, Jimmy, Jennifer and your dear families, We are so very sad to hear of your mom's passing. The years we spent together on Fremont Court raising our families together is as real to us as it was all those years ago. Trick or Treating together, taking long walks to the "Far Park", playing on the swings in summer at the park next to your house in the court and in winter playing on the frozen lake and taking our sleds with you kids sliding down the incline. I don't know what I would have done without your mom and the support we have for each other. When we got home from the walk to the Far Park we went into our houses and with luck all of you would take your naps. But as mothers, your mom and I would fold clothes! There was so much laughter and fun seeing all our kids playing together. Such memories are imprinted on my heart. Your mom was the kindest woman I knew, with a heart for God and compassion for others in times of worry or trouble. She loved you all so much. I will miss my friend always. And when my time comes, I know I will see her smiling (that warm, beautiful smile) when we're home in heaven. God bless and watch over you and your dear families always.