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Margaret Donars Obituary
Maggie was a former longtime resident of Oak Lawn, and Hinsdale IL, and Scottsdale AZ. She grew up in the Saint Germaine Parish, graduated from Mother McAuley High School in Chicago, IL and further pursued her education at Ray Vogue College of Design in downtown Chicago.
Her passion for design led her to work as a layout artist at Suburban LIFE Newspapers in LaGrange Park, IL where she met Scott in 1983. Maggie was always involved with her children's activities assuming the roles of Cub Scout leader, Girl Scout assistant and Little League co-manager, soccer, water polo and gymnastics cheerleader.
Once the children were grown, she enjoyed working at the Shelly Deli in Hinsdale, followed by Portillo's in Scottsdale and Glendale, AZ. She was a lifelong fan of The Chicago Cubs and XRT radio.
In her free time, Maggie helped Scott with their dog sitting business. She also found solace in crosswords, games, anything arts and entertainment, and entertaining guests with her superb cooking skills.
Maggie will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and cooking prowess will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who knew her. Celebrate Maggie's life in your own fashion and while you're at it, celebrate your own. Maggie loved her celebrations.
A private memorial to celebrate Maggie's life will be held in late May in AZ and again open to the public in June for Chicago area family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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Frank Makas
May 15, 2024
We were like the parents to most of the kids who worked there for Grand Opening of the Scottsdale Portillo´s location, back in 2013. I loved our talks about Chicago, Cubs baseball, & of course, delicious food, & music. You will be missed very much Maggie !! You left a very memorable impression on all those who knew you well. Your spirit lives on forever. RIP
Scott Donars
May 2, 2024
Scott Donars
May 2, 2024
Scott Donars
May 2, 2024
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Scott Donars
May 2, 2024
Scott Donars
May 2, 2024
Scott Donars
May 2, 2024
Scott Donars
May 2, 2024
Scott Donars
May 2, 2024
Scott Donars
May 2, 2024
Scott Donars
May 2, 2024
The moment I met Maggie, there was an immediate attraction. It was my first day of a new career after just graduating college. We sat on opposite sides of the room facing each other. I couldn´t take my eyes off her and noticed she kept looking at me. She insisted it was love at first sight. I´ve heard her tell that story hundreds of times whenever meeting another friend or family member. I used to think that love at first sight rarely existed, if at all. But as I reflect on our life together, I became a believer. Of course like everyone who´s been married will confess, there are many moments that could put strain on a relationship. Despite those moments, we agreed to never hold grudges for more than a day. Somehow that agreement held true during our 40+ years together. It just came naturally to us. We would disagree the most over politics. But we knew neither of us would ever be able to convince the other to change. So after raising our voices we would walk away and the disagreement would end. Cherished memories included the births of our children, moving to new houses every 4 years, meeting her friends which was always such a "hoot", walks, riding bikes, and spending a lot of time with our children.
Many of our vacations had memorable and a few scary moments. An earthquake in Mexico while on the 14th floor. Renting an old Beetle that had holes in the floor. Me having to save her from drowning while snorkeling in rough Caribbean waters (while she was pregnant with Matthew). Driving halfway across the country in blizzard conditions witnessing hundreds of accidents along the way to Jackson WY. Our car catching on fire in Silver City, NM.
Other vacays included RV trips, Disney trips, ski trips, and spending weekends in Abbey Springs on Lake Geneva. Both Maggie and I believed a strong family unit was the recipe for a successful and happy life together. I will miss so much about Maggie. Especially her feisty Irish personality, her tasty home cooking, and believe it or not, our interesting and at times heated arguments.
Tracy Griffin
April 27, 2024
Kathy Janke
April 26, 2024
Kathy Janke
April 26, 2024
Kathy Janke
April 26, 2024
Kathy Janke
April 26, 2024
Maggs and I have known each other since the middle school years in Oak Lawn. We went through Mother McAuley HS and spent summers together during the college years. I have many great memories but my favorites are those times shared with husbands and children. Maggie hosted wonderful parties and cooked better than anyone I knew. My favorite gathering was the one she modeled after the movie "Big Night". She was a huge fan of 70s and 80s rock music listening mostly to WXRT radio even after moving to AZ. She and I shared a love of the Southwest and art. We disagreed about many things but we loved each other very much. Rest in peace, Dear Friend!
Margie heaney
April 26, 2024
Maggie and I grew up together Literally! We would be in the playpen- she was bald as I had a lot of hair. Our moms would laugh because she would try to yank it out. Fast forward having party Wednesday day before thanksgiving. Maggie always stayed overnight with me and we would drag ourselves to want/ try to eat but just couldn´t . To being a fun foursome with Steve and Scott. Being in each others weddings and having babies. As time went on our lives separated cuz of life. But we still were together for family events. I may not of really kept up with her enough when she moved to Arizona but I have alot of happy memories. Knowing she´s not here anymore is heart breaking for her family, extended family and friends.
Maggie you earned your wings and you will be busy looking over your family!
You wil be missed.
V
April 26, 2024
The love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sara Donars
April 25, 2024
My mother has always been so loyal in my life. Shes always looked after my wellbeing and looking out for her family and her friends. Her laughter and the way she would dance around the kitchen when her favorites from the 80´s would play, she would light up a room. I will never forget how brave and headstrong she was, always sure of herself. Maggie is an amazing mother, I was glad to be able to look after her, the same way she´s always looked after me.
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