DONNA PETERSON

Donna J. Peterson, of Malta, passed away unexpectedly at her home, Saturday, October 22, 2022. Gone without being able to say goodbye, Donna leaves all her love and care to live on in the hearts and lives of her family.

She was born September 11, 1953, in Chicago, IL, to proud parents, Joseph and Virginia Ploppert.

Donna grew up in Chicago and attended local schools while caring for her younger siblings.

Leonard “Piccalo” Peterson was working at local restaurant was introduced to Donna through his sister. It didn’t take long for a friendship to bloom into love, and they soon walked hand in hand and heart to heart to the altar on December 2, 1972. They began their new life together in the Roselle area and welcomed home a daughter, Nichole. The family grew by two more, Leonard and Michelle, and by then they began calling Villa Park home for the next several years. In 1986, the family moved to the country and settled in Hampshire. Affectionately known as “The Farm”, it became the homestead they spent the most time. made the most memories and was the hub where all the gossip lived. Many rooms had their own themes and you never walked down the stairs without hitting the framed puzzle on the wall on the way down.  

Donna worked as a nurse’s aide and So-Fro Fabrics which fed her passion for crafting. Nimble hands and a warm heart made each stitch count as she crocheted, cross stitched and used her needle and thread creating one-of-a-kind projects. She enjoyed outdoor malls and countless craft fairs where sold her creations, oftentimes bringing the kids along for the ride. Donna worked closely her sister-in-law Lynnette who was dress maker and wedding planner, which gave Donna a chance to keep her hands busy measuring, cutting, and sewing. She worked with her sister, Carol, during the same time at the Toy Store, and between the two of them, there was nothing that couldn’t be done and done well.  

Donna was a certified Crochet Instructor who worked and taught classes at Hobby Lobby.

Family was everything to Donna. One of ten children, the holidays were always busy, and the house was always full. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays and literally any other chance for family to gather became a time of laughter and love. Trips to Florida to see family gave the family an excellent excuse to visit Disney with the family. After her first taste of NASCAR, at the behest of Piccalo, Donna fell in love with the roar of the engines and smell of the exhaust. She loved to collect just about anything, some of which were precious only to her, but eventually someone would need something, and it was Donna to the rescue! Bowls of candy were always within sight, and when travelling, Donna hid the best snacks often smuggling treats into various places and races. Before her brother passed away in 2001, Saturday nights were family night at The Farm and all were welcome around the bonfire whether you were related or not. Her home was the “vacation destination” for the grandkids when their parents needed a break, and they never left without smile and a prize or two. No one left her house without something in their arms, from candy, dolls, games, and more, it was like you won the Peterson lottery. It was the family and friends that hit the jackpot anytime Donna entered their lives, and everyone will be paying out unforgettable memories for generations to come.

She now leaves her loving children: Nichole (Jamie Phillips) Phillips, Leonard (Kelly) Peterson and Michelle Peterson; 10 grandchildren: Shayne, Savannah. Samantha, Jason and Skyler Phillips, Dustin (Callie) Castillo, Steven and Andrew Peterson, Lucas Peterson and Wyatt Peterson; one great-granddaughter, Braylynn Babcock; 5 siblings: Ed Ploppert, Carol Salis, Ginny Minkevich, Terry Hough and Gus Hough; many nieces, nephews and a family of friends.   

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Virginia Ploppert; her loving husband, Lenny “Piccalo” Peterson; 4 siblings: James Ploppert, Charles Ploppert, Paul Ploppert and Carl Hough; 2 sisters-in-law, Lynnette Abrams and Tina Volstad; and one granddaughter Hannah Peterson.  

Visitation will be from 5-7p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 7 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Private family interment will follow cremation at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.