Donna A. Wickstrom

Donna grew up in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, a source of pride, and she remained a city girl at heart. Even after moving to Country Club Hills, she would sit on the stoop and wait for people to walk by and chat, but unfortunately that city tradition didn't make the move to the suburbs along with her. Donna married Nils in 1980 and several years later they moved to Homewood. She did not find any "stoop sitters" in Homewood, but she did find many enduring friendships.

Donna worked downtown when she was younger for a variety of companies as a secretary, including: The Institute for Psychoanalysis, Leo Burnett Advertising, and various law firms. Later, after having her son Erik, she worked at two preschools, a Hallmark shop, and Homewood Construction before retiring from full time work.

Donna worked for schools as an art teacher and volunteered with her son's Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops, as well as church youth groups, to bring her art skills to children and teens. Additionally, she created beautiful table decorations for the church and helped lead the Boy Scout Troop 342 Pancake Breakfast for a number of years.

Donna was a consummate artist with a wide variety of skills, which she put to use at home, for friends and family, and others. She took art classes at the Irwin Center in Homewood, sharing many of her paintings. Her other interest was in different cultures, especially Native American, illustrated by Kachina dolls, paintings, pottery, and other artifacts throughout the house. For the last several years, she painted the scene for her yearly Christmas card, which her friends and family eagerly awaited receiving to complete their collection.

There were two things that you would notice right away when you went to visit Donna at home. She loved animals, and there was always a small herd of cats and dogs to greet you at the door. It seemed that when she visited the vet, there was always some animal that needed a home, so Donna naturally opened her doors. Her love of horses can also be seen in her artwork.

Donna loved her friends and would often go out to breakfast or lunch with them as well as hosting many parties at her home. She loved hosting these events and put her heart into the preparations. Her son and daughter-in-law would come over each week for dinner and watch a British mystery show, which was a family favorite genre.

Donna is survived by her husband Nils, son Erik, daughter-in-law Danielle, as well as family and friends dating back over 50 years. A memorial service will be held on the 20th of June, 11am, at Flossmoor Community Church. For more information, please contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to South Suburban Humane Society in Matteson.