Donna Louise Barnaby

Donna Louise Barnaby, 74, of DeKalb, Ill., passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, June 3, 2024, after a fierce battle with cancer for many years. Northern Illinois Hospice made it possible for her to be cared for and surrounded by her loving family and visited by her many friends and relatives.
Donna was the first daughter born to Donald B. and Berniece E. (Nelson) Wienecke on January 31, 1950. She attended Sycamore schools, not knowing at the time she would later connect with an old classmate and eventually marry the love of her life, Dale Barnaby, on September 16, 1989, becoming an instant family of five.
Professionally, Donna started working at the DeKalb Ag in the early 1980's, followed by her retirement from Northern Illinois University's Bursars office in 2020. In addition to working, Donna involved herself in the community by serving on her high school class reunion committee and as VFW Auxiliary Vice President for a number of years.
There was nothing Donna couldn't do. As the daughter of a carpenter, she had her own tools and could fix anything. She was never one to sit still, using her artistic creativity to decorate her home and yard with many beautiful plants and flowers. However, her favorite pastime was undoubtedly floating in her backyard pool on a hot summer afternoon. Always willing to help her family and friends with anything they needed, Donna's example of compassion and love was reflected in the way she served them. She passionately organized and hosted countless family and friend get-togethers, including family reunions in her home, which was always a gathering place of fun and laughter. She taught her children and grandchildren how to be generous, loving, independent, and above all, to remember the importance of family.
Donna is survived by her husband, Dale; daughters, Jennifer (Kevin) Beasley, Sarah (Dr. Steve Goldman) Braffett, and Ellen (Deborrah) Pettit; grandchildren, Troy, Miranda, Evan, Lauren, and Emma; sister, Nancy (Michael) Mosolino; mother-in-law, Betty Jean Barnaby; and brother-in-law, Steve (Sandy) Barnaby.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Berniece Wienecke; and her father-in-law, Paul Barnaby Sr.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to benefit the Kishwaukee Cancer Center, Meals-on-Wheels, and the Northern Illinois Hospice.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Olson's Quiram Sycamore Chapel 1245 Somonauk Street, Sycamore, IL 60178.
Interment will be at the Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore, IL during a private family ceremony at a later date.
The family would like to thank the staff of Kishwaukee NWM Hospital, DeKalb; Advocate Sherman Hospital, Elgin; and Northern Illinois Hospice for their compassionate care and service to Donna.
For information phone 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsofh.com to leave condolences.