Norma Donnelly Obituary

Norma J. Donnelly (nee Holmes), 84, of Joliet, passed away peacefully after a brief illness with her family be her side, Friday, June 1, 2012.

Survived by her three daughters JoAnne (John) Sternisha, Kathy Donnelly and Patrick (Tom) Schieffer. Seven grandchildren John "JT" Sternisha, Tamie (Jim) Conley, Michael (Heather) Parks, Karrie (Joe) Painter, Danielle (Kartik) Ramakrishnan, Allison and Thomas Schieffer; fifteen great-grandchildren Alicia, Hayley, Savannah, Madison, Lucas, Kendahl, Faith, Payton, Michael Jr, Emma, Kylie, Jarrod, Jaxon, Kaelyn and Jaymison and a great-great-grandson Michael. A special nephew and niece Raymond (Patti) Morris and Donna Smith. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Special friends Clare and Harlen Beasley, Linda and Fred Jursinic and the Wicklein Family and many other special friends.

Preceded in death by her husband John "Murchie" Donnelly, her parents Georgia Ferguson and William Holmes, and two sisters Doris (Ray) Palmer and Janis (Ray) Morris.

Born in Joliet and a lifelong resident. Graduate of Joliet Township High School. Employed with Joliet School District 86 for 43 years at Culbertson Grade School as a lunchroom supervisor, she worked up until March 16, 2012.

An avid sports fan, she especially liked the Chicago Cubs, LA Dodgers, Chicago Bulls and Duke University Basketball. She bowled in many Friday bowling leagues, enjoyed playing cards and was in a Pinnacle Club. She was very passionate when watching her grandchildren play sports through all types of weather.

Member of the Ingalls Park AC Women's Auxiliary, where she volunteered for many lunches and dinners; a lifelong PTA member at Culbertson Grade School where she received many awards. Norma was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, a classy, dedicated, entertaining, strong, witty and "ah" Coke Cola woman.

A special 'thank you' to the staff at Joliet Area Community Hospice and Our Lady of Angels for their compassion and care given to Norma during these past few months.

Funeral services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. Visitation Tuesday from 3:00-7:00 PM.