Donna Sue Palumbo, 86, of Sterling, IL, died on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Chapters Living of Elmhurst, IL.
Donna was born on October 7, 1937, in Huntingburg, IN, the daughter of Roy and Madonna (Fischer) Cox. She married Frank E. Palumbo on November 28, 1959, at St. Ferdinand’s Church in Chicago, IL, and together they enjoyed 64 years of marriage. Donna graduated from Huntingburg High School and was a graduate of the Nursing School at Indiana University, where she met her future husband, Frank. Donna practiced Nursing in Chicago before moving to Sterling in 1965. After years at home raising their three boys, she pursued her love for literature and reading with a new career at the Sauk Valley Community College Bookstore, lasting over ten years. After retirement, she and Frank enjoyed many years of road travels throughout the U. S., cruising, concerts, and many visits from their family and friends, to both their home in Sterling and their second home in Ft. Myers, FL.
Survivors include her sons, Tim (Ann), of Elmhurst, IL, Rick, of Sterling, and Ron (Suzanne), of Morrison, IL; brother, Ronald (Phyllis) Cox, of Jasper, IN; seven grandchildren, Michael (Melissa) Palumbo, of Downers Grove, IL, Anthony (Julia) Palumbo, of Colorado Springs, CO, Andrew Palumbo, of Las Vegas, NV, Daniel Palumbo (Jasmine Anderson) of Prophetstown, IL, Allison (Kevin ) Vouk, of Cleveland, OH, Emily Palumbo of Hampton, MN, and Elizabeth Palumbo of Morrison; 11 great-grandchildren.
Donna was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who always put others first.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Madonna Cox.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 202,3 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, at McDonald Funeral Home, 505 1st Avenue in Sterling, IL.
The funeral will follow at noon, with the Reverend Thomas Doyle, Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, officiating.
Burial will conclude at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling, IL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the CGH Health Foundation Dementia Project. If you prefer, call CGH Medical Center at 815-625-0400, extension 5672, to make a payment by phone.