Donna L. Burnell

Donna Louise Burnell 1930-2017
Donna L. Burnell passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017 just as the fireworks began, after living a full life, start to finish in Rockford Il. She was born Feb 26, 1930, daughter of Cyril and Frances (Finn) Finn. A Muldoon High School graduate, she had already met several of her lifelong friends in St. Peter’s Grade school. She married Richard Joseph (Dick) Burnell the love of her life on April 19, 1952. Dick preceded her in death in 1972.

Donna would say her greatest accomplishment was the family she (and Dick) raised. Her Catholic faith was central to her life, St. Rita’s being the last of several Rockford parishes where she made her spiritual home. Donna’s other life-source was the friends she continued to accumulate and hold onto throughout her life. They were why she perked up each morning (after her first Diet Coke of the day) and the reason Donna would never consider living anywhere else in the world.

Donna enjoyed 20 years of her work career keeping the “wheels on the bus” at the Rockford Board of Education with her last position as Registrar of District 205. She was an avid bridge player (including two-time winner of the Women’s Catholic League Bridge Tournament), book devourer, and people watcher. In her last 4 months, she moved into The Grand Victorian, where she instantly became “the ambassador” to all new arrivals, and her room a major stop on the tour.

She is loved and missed by her children David (Jann) Burnell, Dennis (Kathy) Burnell, Deborah Burnell, and Dawn (Bob) Burnell-Powers and grandchildren Benjamin, Anna, Garrett, Kira, Katie, Kelsey, Brienne, and Emma and five great grandchildren. Expressions like “Honest to John”, “Hells, Bells”, “Sweetie Pie”, and “Pumpkin” are part of the legacy all will remember.

Funeral Mass Monday, July 10, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St Rita Catholic Church (6284 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford, IL). Visitation from 10:00 -10:45. Memorial Mass will start at 11:00, followed by a luncheon at the church. Donna was a lifelong patron of the Poor Clares Monastery and would call and ask for masses for every prayer/concern she ever had, (815) 963-7343. She would appreciate that much more than flowers. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family, express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com