Donna J. Blackwell

BRAIDWOOD—Donna J. Blackwell (nee Anderson), 84, of Braidwood, passed away, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at Heritage Health in Dwight.
Born July 6, 1937 in Lockport, she was the daughter of Eugene B. and Florence (nee Waite) Anderson. Donna was a proud graduate of the Joliet Conservatory of Music. She was employed by Argon National Laboratories for 25 years, retiring in 1999. She was a member of the New Hope Presbyterian Church in Coal City where she was also a deacon and a lifetime member of the Will County Humane Society. Donna looked forward to the monthly outings with the Wesley Women's Club. She was an animal lover who dedicated many hours helping animals, and was known to always have food to help feed the strays.
Donna, lovingly known as “Beamie” to her family and grandchildren, loved spending time with them. Watching her grandson, Austin race at the Grundy County Speedway was always a highlight.
Surviving are two children, Jamie (Patricia) Blackwell and Jeanne Luhrsen, both of Braidwood; three grandchildren: Amber Luhrsen, Matthew Luhrsen and Austin (Heather Page) Blackwell and great-grandchildren: Ryder J, Lyric K., Cole Michael, Carter James and soon to arrive in November, Wylee; honorary grandson, Steven (Kristy) and honorary great-granddaughter, Lacie Ann.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation for Donna will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, Braidwood, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery in Joliet.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Will County Humane Society: www.willcountyhumane.com/donate/memorial/24109 Seil Rd., Shorewood, IL 60404 or to the New Hope Presbyterian Church: 80 N. Garfield St., Coal City, IL 60416 would be appreciated.
For more information and to visit her online guestbook, log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find them on Facebook.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of arrangements.