Donna (O’Meara) Geiss, age 73 of Huntley, IL, was called to eternal rest on July 9th, 2024, following her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Donna Marie was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 20th, 1950, to proud first-time parents Don and Mary Louise O’Meara. As the first grandchild in the family, she quickly became the center of attention. However, her time as an only child was short lived. Three sisters and four brothers soon followed her. Don and Mary Lou raised their family in Dearborn Heights, MI in a loving Irish Catholic home. Being the oldest, Donna loved playing a part in raising her younger siblings. When asked about life growing up in such a large family, she would tell you “Life was full because the house was full, and I wouldn’t change a moment of it.”
She was seventeen when the family relocated to Mount Prospect, IL. After graduating as an honor roll student from Wheeling High School’s Class of 1969, she attended Harper College, earning her degree in Dental Hygiene. She went on to make a rewarding career as a Hygienist for the next 32 years.
Donna married Barry Stine in 1972. During their 21-year marriage, they were blessed with two children: daughter Jessica in 1980 and son Zachary in 1982 and lived many happy years in their home in Palatine, IL. In addition to her career as a Hygienist, she took a part time job at the neighborhood after-school daycare while her kids were young.
Donna married the love of her life, Dr. Bob Geiss, on September 8th, 2001. She happily took on the role of Stepmother to Bob’s children Dave Geiss, Annie Geiss, and Step-grandmother to Dave’s son Keegan Geiss, and Annie’s daughter Maya Huebsch. Donna and Bob eventually moved, making their home in Huntly, IL.
Donna made zero room for boredom in life. You could often find her in the kitchen enjoying her favorite pastime of baking for family and friends. She always decorated the house according to the season, displaying the handmade wreaths and flower bouquets she created. She and Bob enjoyed taking trips out west visiting friends and family. She was a big Chicago sports fan and often stood in the middle of the room to watch the game while providing in-house color commentary for your entertainment. She was incredibly funny, often unintentionally, and being around her around her was simply fun. It was hard to be in a bad mood when you were with Donna.
Family meant everything to Donna. She was never happier than when she was with the people she loved. Especially when spending time with her children, nieces, and nephews. Donna would randomly surprise you with her famous “just because I love you” goodies, her little way of reminding you how special you are. She was one of the most positive, kind, and accepting people you could ever meet. She never allowed the downs in life to overshadow the ups. Her love and support were unconditional, her faith unwavering, her laugh was one of a kind and her Irish eyes were always smiling. She was a Gift to all of us. To say she will be missed is an understatement.
Donna was a beloved daughter, Granddaughter, Wife, Mother, Sister to seven, Aunt to thirteen, Niece to fourteen, Cousin to thirty-four, and a much loved “Second Mom” to her children’s friends and a wonderful friend to many.
Donna is survived by her husband, Bob Geiss, her children; Jessica (Stine) Postema (partner Joe Hornung), and Zachary Stine, stepchildren Dave Geiss, Annie Geiss, and Step-grandchildren Keegan Geiss and Maya Huebsch. Siblings; Patricia (Tom) Meyers, Maureen (Jack) Nebel, Mark (partner Denise Lyons) O’Meara, Paul (Theresa) O’Meara and John (Nicky) O’Meara. Her Nieces and Nephews: Julie (Jen) Davis-Scheffers, Jackie (Matt) Madigan, Brian (Nicole) Nebel, Jack Nebel Jr., Steve Nebel, Vince (Ashley) O’Meara, Megan (Noah) Corwin, Joe O’Meara, Dana O’Meara, Katie O’Meara, and Grand-nephews Liam Madigan, Aedan Madigan, and Brody Nebel.
Donna was preceded in death by her beloved parents Donald and Mary Louise (Youngblood) O’Meara, sister Beth (O’Meara) Scheffers, brother Matthew O’Meara, and former husband Barry Stine.
Services will be held September 20th, 2024, at Holy Family Church, 2515 W. Palatine Rd. Inverness, IL 60067. Visitation begins at 9:30, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30.
Internment will be at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines IL on a future date.
Celebration of Donna and her life well lived will be held at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 1901 E. Woodfield Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173 beginning at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund are appreciated.
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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Your obituary couldn’t have said it any better about Donna, proud to have been her brother. I miss her greatly.
I will always miss her friendship, her kindness, her sweetness, positivity and that smile & twinkle in her eyes! She was a Gift & Blessing to this world!
My most heartfelt condolences to Bob and Donna's entire family. Donna was an exceptional woman who was surrounded by all who loved her.
Dearest Bob & family . Please accept our deepest condolences. I’m so grateful to have spent one on one time with Donna the past year or two. A woman whose spirit lit up a room. She put a smile on everyone’s face who was fortunate enough to be in her presence . The world is a better place because of this bright soul! Blessings. Beverly
Dear Bob and family, Donna's s beautiful spirit is shining brightly in heaven, free of illness and pain, still showing that radient smile. I enjoyed reading about her here. I feel like I know her better. I didn't get to know her a long time, but enough to know she was a very special person.
Your obituary is so beautifully worded and the love for Donna perfectly shines through. I’m so sorry for her loss and we are offering prayers for you and your family.
What a wonderful remembrance of a life well lived. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers; unfortunately, we have a conflict on the twentieth! We are sorry that we cannot attend the service. In His Peace, Dave and Donna Strang
I am sorry to hear about Donna. I loved reading the obit, she sounded like a wonderful person who will very much be missed. Thinking of all of the O’ Mearas.
Bob, we send our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We hope the cherished memories of her will give you strength and comfort as your hearts miss her physical presence. Know she is with our Lord in heaven and we shall all meet up with our loved ones in time. Much love to you and your family.
What a wonderful remembrance of a life well lived. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers; unfortunately, we have a conflict on the twentieth! We are sorry that we cannot attend the service. In His Peace, Dave and Donna Strang
DearBob Sam and Gerry will attend memorial mass.
Bob, we are very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful person. We are fortunate that we knew her if even for a short while.
I felt blessed to meet Dr. Bob and Donna when Donna came to live at the Vines. Donna was a happy lady who glowed when Bob was around. She never failed to use excellent manners. We miss her kind words and respectful essence. Thank goodness we share a faith that promises eternal life.
I felt blessed to meet Dr. Bob and Donna when Donna came to live at the Vines. Donna was a happy lady who glowed when Bob was around. She never failed to use excellent manners. We miss her kind words and respectful essence. Thank goodness we share a faith that promises eternal life.
She always was a mother to everyone. She will be sorely missed❤️. God bless her, and hers❤️
Dearest Bob, My heart was always happy when I saw you and Donna together. She was where she wanted to be. With you. May you always smile and hear her laughter when you think of her. She lit up the world with her selflessness and love for all she knew. God Bless. xoxo, Reen
My Jess, Your Sweet Momma's obituary is so beautifully written. Your love for her shines so bright through your written words. Her beautiful smile, bright eyes, laugh, hugs, giggle, kindness and forgiveness along with her acceptance and love for all are felt. I can feel her holding my hand like she and I often did. Sisters. My sisters are my best friends forever. I thank God for blessing me with her and I thank God for His promise of eternal life. I feel her now with me and I know I will be with her again someday. We are so blessed God chose you to be her daughter and Zack to be her son. Her love lives through you both. I love you so. xoxo, Aunt Reenie
What a beautiful obituary and special woman to many! Jessi and Zach we love you and are thinking of you during this very difficult time. May Donna rest in eternal peace. ❤️ Love, Brian and Nicole Nebel