Donna Mae Agin

Donna Mae Agin (née Winter)

June 25, 1934 – January 18, 2026

Donna Mae Agin, 91, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, in Elmhurst, Illinois, following a brief illness. At nearly 92, Donna was a witness to almost a century of history, leaving behind a legacy defined by resilient strength, a generous heart, and a legendary quick wit that never dimmed.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, to Leo and Dorothy Winter, Donna graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1952. In the mid-1950s, she traded her rural roots for the energy of Chicago, where she quickly adapted to the city’s pulse, taking great pride in mastering the ‘L’ and navigating the Loop. While initially staying at the YWCA, she found a sisterhood of lifelong friends; they eventually shared not only an apartment but also a treasury of “escapades” that Donna delighted in recounting for decades. She found her stride as a professional woman during an era of great change, working as a secretary for Jenner & Block and later Dun & Bradstreet, fully embracing her identity as a “City Girl.”

It was in Chicago that Donna met her husband, Robert (Bob) Agin, at the Clover Leaf Club, where Bob bartended while attending Loyola University School of Law. They married on July 11, 1959, beginning a journey that spanned nearly 56 years until Bob’s passing in June 2015.

In 1968, the couple moved to Villa Park to raise their three children: Anthony (Tony), Victoria (Vicki), and Kevin. Their home on Washington Street was a revolving door for neighbors and friends, and Donna was its vibrant heart—the quintessential “involved mom.” Whether she was editing the elementary school newspaper, serving as a den mother for the Cub Scouts, leading Camp Fire Girls and 4-H clubs, cheering from the sidelines at games, or sitting in the front row at recitals, she was her children’s greatest advocate.

While devoted to her family, Donna also excelled professionally, particularly during her years in the Corporate Marketing Department at Old Kent (now Fifth Third) Bank. With a natural gift for connection, she specialized in community relations and event coordination. The colleagues she met there became cherished lifelong friends, remaining a core part of her life long after her retirement.

In 2001, Donna embraced her favorite title: “Grandma.” She was a devoted grandmother to Anthony (A.J.), Emily, and Sara, taking great pride in their every milestone. To her grandchildren, she was a storyteller and a confidante who ensured they always knew they were deeply loved. Donna’s heart was an ever-expanding space with plenty of room for her “bonus” grandchildren: Michael, Kathleen (Katie), Skylar, and Ella. She felt truly blessed to have them woven into her family and was grateful for the joy, love, and laughter they brought into her life. She leaves all her grandchildren knowing that they were each uniquely cherished.

To know Donna was to have fun. She possessed a radiant smile, an infectious laugh, and a sense of humor so keen she often cracked herself up. A creative soul who loved cooking, music, and “doodling,” she was known to playfully consider herself quite the vocalist and artist.

Donna also proved that you are never too old for a new passion. Her most surprising chapter began at age 85 when, thanks to her son Tony, she became a “super fan” of the band Queen. Having watched Bohemian Rhapsody countless times, she embraced Freddie Mercury’s philosophy to “live a fabulous life.” The next time a Queen song comes on, turn it up and think of Donna—she’ll be singing along.

From the rolling hills of Dubuque to the bright lights of Chicago and the warm home she built in Villa Park, Donna navigated life with grace, resilience, and humor. She was a woman of deep connection and boundless love. While she would likely remind us—quoting the Queen song, The Show Must Go On—the stage won’t be nearly as bright without her.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Dorothy Winter; her husband, Robert Agin; her beloved son, Anthony Agin; and her sister, Betty Braunschweig.

She is survived by her daughter, Victoria (Paul) Green; her son, Kevin (Tracy) Agin; her three grandchildren, Anthony (A.J.) Agin, Emily Agin, and Sara Agin; and her “bonus” grandchildren, Michael O’Brien, Kathleen Domianus, Skylar Lauzen, and Ella Lauzen.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, June 6

First Church of Lombard

220 S. Main St., Lombard, IL

Visitation: 10:00 AM | Service: 11:00 AM

In honor of Donna’s vibrant spirit, the family kindly requests that guests forego somber attire in favor of colorful and casual apparel.

For those who wish to attend virtually, a live webcast of the service will be available. A link for the live stream will be provided on this page shortly before the Celebration of Life Service.

A private family burial will take place at a future date.