CHARLESTON, IL – In the hope of Christ’s resurrection, Donella “Dee” Kay McDaniel went to her blessed repose in the Lord on July 13, 2018 in her hometown of Charleston. Visitation is from 1:00–2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. The Funeral Service, honoring and celebrating her life, will begin at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, with Father Ryan McDaniel officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston. Donations in her honor may be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter, c/o Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois 61920.
Dee was born December 27, 1950 in Mattoon to the late Donald E. and Hilda M. (Bloomquist) Costello. A 1968 graduate of Mattoon High School, Dee earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. She met Larry Raymond McDaniel in 1969 and they were married on February 11, 1973, at Central Community Church in Mattoon. They made their home in Charleston. Dee is survived by Larry, her loving and devoted husband of 45 years; son Ryan McDaniel and his wife, Michele McDaniel, of Charleston; daughter Dr. Lacie McDaniel Shanks of Bloomington, Illinois; and grandson Killian Ryan McDaniel of Charleston, whom she adored. She was also looking forward to the birth of Killian’s sister later this year.
Dee taught in the Mattoon School District for 25 years and was a member of the Mattoon Retired Teachers Association. She devoted most of those years as a reading teacher for the Title I program. Throughout her career, she displayed a vibrant love for children and taught countless students in Mattoon and Humboldt elementary schools how to read.
Dee was a member of Saint Bede the Venerable Orthodox Church in Charleston. After her love for her family and her students was her love for animals, especially cats. She used her creativity for craft and sewing projects, and dabbled in painting and woodcrafts. Dee’s devotion to her family was first and foremost and her love for them remained steadfast.
Read More
