Donna M. Craig

Donna Marie Craig, age 58, passed away in her sleep unexpectedly on the morning of December, 24, 2022 at her home in Joliet, IL. Known as “Pebs” by her closest friends, she was a long-time rural carrier for the Joliet Post Office, and for many years was a constant fixture at the Joliet Park District softball fields as a player, scorekeeper, and concession stand worker. She was a proud Parrothead, a Cubs fan, a world traveler, a connoisseur of fine wine, and an excellent athlete. She was a family reunion organizer. She loved music. Her smile was luminous and ever-present, and her circle of friends was enormous. But most of all, Donna was a loving and generous daughter, sister, and aunt. Donna was born on February 18, 1964 at the old Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, IL and is survived by her parents, Donald and Barbara (Chamberlin) Craig of Plainfield; her brother Joel (Christine Schager) of Chicago; her sister Peggy of Plainfield. Aunt Donna was proud of her nieces and nephews and showered them with love. They include Michael Craig (and his wife Tiffany Stefanich) of Joliet, Anna Craig of Chicago, Stephanie Wagner (Troy Richardson) of Davenport, IA, Jimmy Craig of Pekin, IL, and Alexandra Craig of Chicago. She especially loved and spoiled Peggy’s grandkids Olivia, Jordan, Victoria, and Makayla Richardson. Her Aunt Rita (Chamberlin) Wright also mourns her loss as well and her many cousins who will miss her organizing of the Chamberlin family reunions and her delicious potiça. She is also survived by a core group of friends who were like sisters to her and who already miss her immensely. Donna graduated from St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield, and was a member of the Class of ’82 at St. Francis Academy in Joliet (now JCA) where she played softball. After graduation, she attended Western Illinois University. In her early years, she worked at and helped run the pizza place at Louis Joliet Mall for “Big Bill” and “Little Bill” before beginning her career at the Post Office from which she was nearing retirement. Visitation for Donna Craig will be at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Rd. in Joliet on Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 2:00pm - 6:00pm with a memorial service following immediately to be officiated by Fr. John Jay Comerford, O.Carm. On Monday, January 16 (a postal holiday), friends and family will meet at the funeral home at 11:00am from where they will then proceed to Plainfield Cemetery for a short committal service and burial of her ashes. Afterward, a proper celebration of Donna’s life will take place at the Joliet Moose Club, 25 Springfield Ave. with a luncheon and plenty of Donna’s favorite music. We invite you to dress appropriately; Cubs gear or tropical attire is highly encouraged! In lieu of flowers, memorials to Donna’s family are greatly appreciated.