Donna Woolsey

Donna Woolsey, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

She was born on August 8, 1943, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Ercole and Eileen Viele.

Donna graduated from Lanphier High School in Springfield. She married James Woolsey in 1964 in Virginia, IL. He preceded her in death in 2004.

At a young age, Donna loved to dance, especially stage-dancing. Donna was a homemaker all of her life and had a love for coffee, soap operas, and the Hallmark Channel. She loved to travel, especially to Las Vegas and Florida. She was also known as the most giving person you would ever meet. Donna was a member of the Athens Christian Church.

Mourning her passing are her son, Bill (Gina) Woolsey; her daughters, Laura (David) Esslinger, JoEllen Woolsey, and Tracy (Jerry) Lynn; as well as her 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Sylvanne Moffett; brother, Dan Viele; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ercole and Eileen Viele; her granddaughter, MacKenzie; and her sister, Joann Burt.

Visitation for Donna will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 10:30 AM until time of services at 12:00 Noon at the Athens Christian Church in Athens, Illinois. Burial will be held at Indian Point Cemetery near Athens immediately after the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s's Children's Hospital.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.