Donna Jean Naylor

Donna Jean Naylor, born April 29, 1943 in Melrose Park, IL, went to her eternal rest on February 28, 2026, at her home in Venice, Florida. She was surrounded by family and friends who loved her so very much and helped raise her to the light.

It is hard to capture the fullness of her rich life in a few simple lines. Donna spent her life enthusiastically supporting her family and many friends in ways both great and small. Among her many "job" titles, she was a lifelong Methodist, Girl Scout troop leader, Bay Point Bargain Center volunteer. With her friends and family members, she was noted as a player of mahjong, bridge, dominoes, cribbage, cards and Yahtzee. She was a quintessential crafter, who engaged in numerous creative outlets throughout her life including weaving the finely-crafted baskets she was famous for. She was a vital member of many communities that nurtured her strong sense of inclusion and loving one's neighbor. She lovingly raised children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and anyone else who needed her guidance, and always led with love.

After growing up in the Chicago suburbs, where she went to Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL, Donna attended Illinois Wesleyan University where she experienced three life-defining events. First, she earned a Bachelor's degree in home economics, honing skills that many in her circle continued to rely on for the rest of her life. She also joined Kappa Kappa Gama sorority, making lifelong friends with amazing women who supported her even through her recent illness. And most importantly, while playing bridge in the Dugout, she met the love of her life, John.

Donna and John married in 1965 and settled in Bloomington, IL. For a time, she and John lived on a hobby farm, where in addition to raising her three daughters, she tried her hand at raising all types of animals, including dogs, cats, pigs, ponies, chicken, geese, ducks guinea pigs, hamsters, guinea pigs and pygmy goats, along with a ewe who had a propensity for lighting herself on fire. Most recently, she adopted her faithful friend, Ralph, from Sun Coast Basset; he adored her to the very end.

In 2004, Donna and John relocated to Venice, FL to enjoy warm weather retirement. The fact that they "earned" an orange-blossom license plate was a particular source of pride, and proof of doing retirement right.

Donna loved to travel, taking every opportunity to indulge whenever she could. Sometimes, her trips were opportunities to see exciting new places. More often, they were chances to share experiences with her friends and family members. She particularly loved a cruise. And while there have been too many favorites to list, the "DonnaFest" cruises she took with extended family in 2013 and 2023 were particularly beloved chances to eat, laugh, and reconnect with a whole posse of loved ones under a Mediterranean sky. She continued to plan trips and travel through the last year of her life, including basketweaving workshops and a heritage trip to visit family places in Scotland.

Donna is survived by her daughters Amy Boyle (Patrick) and Jill Chamberlain (Scott); two grandchildren, Wilson Boyle and Bernadette Boyle; siblings Ruth Jarvis (Kelly) and Joe Johnson (Kathy); and daughter-in-law Melissa Naylor; along with many nieces, nephews, and others in her extended family. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Johnson and Jean Johnson Friestad; husband John Naylor; daughter Margaret Naylor; sister Debra Peterson and brother Robert Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, please support either Bay Point Church or P.E.O. International (Chapter IK).