Donna J. Cecil

Donna Jean Cecil, 59, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois passed away September 14, 2025 in Zion, Illinois. She was born March 13, 1966 in Oak Lawn, Illinois to parents Terry and Shirley Wagner.

Donna previously lived in Zion, Illinois, graduating from Zion Benton Township High School in 1984. She married her husband, Richard A. Cecil Jr. June 14, 1985.

Donna was employed at Motorola for a number of years. She enjoyed many things in life, including reading John Grisham novels, watching drama/ action movies and shows, watching documentaries, and as her family called them, her “murder shows”. Donna could always be found with a diet Pepsi in hand and a back up nearby. She had the biggest heart. She made it her mission to ensure that no one was left out and that everyone was always taken care of. She was always there for anyone who needed her.

Donna loved to see everyone in her life succeed. She always celebrated all of their accomplishments, she was everyone’s second mom and their biggest cheerleader. What Donna loved the most about life was spending time with friends and family, always making sure pictures were taken. Donna was very proud of her children and never had any shame about telling everyone. More than anything, her favorite title was Grandma. Her grandchildren meant the world to her and she enjoyed every moment with them. From watching them play sports to taking them on adventures. Every moment with them was very precious to her which is why she fought so hard to spend time with them.

Donna will always be remembered for her quiet sense of humor, generosity, her kind and loving heart, beautiful baby blue eyes, her smile, and her warm hugs.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Richard A. Cecil Jr.; children, Elizabeth Cecil, Richard (Garnet) Cecil III, and Anthony (Jessica) Cutler; grandchildren, Marshal Moffitt, Jack Cecil, and Colton Cecil; siblings, Mary (James Smith) Wagner, Diane (Alan) Divoky, Maureen (Rick) Urbina, Trisha (Brad) Walters, and Cindy Wagner; mother-in-law, Debra (Lee) Likins; brother-in-laws, Ramel Cecil and Robert Cecil; sister-in-laws, Shelly (Aaron) Smith, and Rhonda (Brent) Gray; best friend, Sherry (Dan) Hammack; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who became family.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Terry and Shirley Wagner; brother, David Wagner; nephews, Jeff Stirnichuk and Josh Cecil; niece, Stephanie Wagner; and grandparents, Clayton and Dora Mae Endecott.

A visitation will be held September 19, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home 3012 Sheridan Road Zion, Illinois 60099.