Donna Nevius

The family of Donna Nevius is heartbroken by her passing on January 2, 2026, in Barrington, Illinois, where she spent most of her life. Born to Nahoma and Louis Rohr on August 29, 1941, in Chicago, she remained forever young throughout her 84 years. Donna loved her life as a wife and mother and had a passion for traveling, photography, aerobics, listening to music, owning dogs, and playing Mahjong and tennis. For the past 20 years, she also loved being a snowbird, spending each winter in Indio, California, which she affectionately called "paradise." In addition to her family and friends, Donna adored the countless students she taught during her three decades as a Spanish and English as a Second Language teacher at New Trier, Danville, Fremd, Conant, and Schaumburg High Schools. Donna attended the University of Illinois, where she was a member of the pom pom squad. It was there that she met Joseph Nevius, her future husband, who would work as a landscape architect for the Forest Preserve before becoming the General Superintendent of Cook County. Donna and Joe had two sons whom they cherished: Craig, a Hollywood screenwriter and producer, and the late Brian, a successful businessman and lifelong athlete. Despite her three-and-a-half-year battle with Alzheimer's, Donna continued to sing until the very end, remembering the lyrics to Elvis songs and her favorite musical, "West Side Story." She will be forever missed by her husband of 62 years, Joseph; her eldest son, Craig; her nieces, Robin Welch (Steve) and Marilyn Zurakov (Al); as well as her beloved cousins and many friends. Chapel service Wednesday, January 7, 2026 12:15 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment following at Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service online, shiva, and to leave condolences, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520. In lieu of flowers, the Nevius family requests that you make a donation in Donna's name to the worthwhile charity of your choice.