Donna E. Wade

March 18, 1925 - July 18, 2015

It is with heavy hearts, but smiling memories, that we announce the passing of the estimable, magnetic, and caring Donna E. Wade . Donna, of Park Forest, IL, peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2015, in Vermont, surrounded by her loving family and in the hearts and memories of all those whose paths she’s crossed.

 

Donna was born in Mason City, Iowa, on March 18, 1925.. A proud civil servant, Donna served as a Deputy Sheriff for the County of Orange, Vermont,  under Sheriff Russ Bagley. Continuing her call to duty, Donna went on to graduate from the Prairie State College Registered Nursing Program. After celebrating her graduation with a Florence Nightingale-themed party, Donna worked as an emergency room nurse before moving on to provide private nursing care.

 

Full of love and devotion, Donna was blessed with two wonderful marriages, first to George Foster, until his death, and then to Geoffrey Wade, until his passing in 1993.

 

Donna is survived by her loving children, George Peter Foster, Mary Donna Iverson, Michael James Wade, and Ann Kathryn Wade. Donna’s passing was preceded by her son John William Wade, who passed far too young in 2005.  Donna is also survived by her adoring grandchildren, George Peter Foster of Iowa, Dawn Marie Foster of Iowa, Thomas Geoffrey Iverson of Washington, D.C., Valarie Ann Mosier (Iverson) of Chicago, Daniel Patrick Wade of Colorado, Lorraine Marie Knaus (Wade) of Colorado, and Cassandra Elizabeth Wade of Chicago.  Donna was been blessed with seven great-grandchildren, many nephews and nieces, and countless friends and adorers.

 

Donna’s wit, flare, and love of life were a gift to everyone around her, and will live on in our hearts. All that were lucky and blessed to know Donna are invited to a memorial visitation on Saturday, October 10, 2015, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the Gerardi Funeral Home, 9501 West Lincoln Highway, Frankfort, IL.

 

In lieu of flowers, please carry on Donna’s sense civic responsibility by making memorial contributions to any of the following organizations.

 

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd, Park Forest, IL 60466

Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 304, Chicago, IL 60611

SouthSTAR Services, 1005 West End Ave., Chicago Heights, IL 60411

 

Also, please hug your loved ones, sip a dirty martini, make each other smile and laugh, and give each other a stern kick-in-the-pants when necessary.