Donna Frances Cornelius

Donna Frances (Heer) Cornelius, 84, of Forreston, IL, passed away June 20, 2021. She was born January 26, 1937 in Derinda, IL to John and Mae Heer. After graduating from Elizabeth High School she attended Northern Illinois University. She married Elgin Dale Cornelius on October 11, 1959. Donna worked as an administrative secretary at Western States in Freeport and Forreston High School. She was a CNA at Pinecrest Manor for over 30 years, retiring at the age of 80. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and Faithful Hands Quilting. She was a talented organist, painter, quilter, seamstress, and gardener. She loved plants, music, crossword puzzles, baking and the Massbach Hills. She adored animals and traveling, most recently she traveled to Spain and Morocco. Donna is survived by daughters, Sue Cornelius Johnson (Todd), Holly Funk (Jerry), Heather Cornelius (Jim Norton) and Maria Dierking (Kurt); grandchildren, Haley Bruner (Michael), Taylor Funk, Lucas Dierking, Gabbi Dierking, Cameron Dierking; great granddaughter, Emerson Bruner; Sister Ruth Lyons; brother and sister-in-law Donald and Darlene Cornelius; two God daughters, Barbra Lyons and Donna Rae Crossno; many nieces and nephews and two very spoiled felines, Josephine and Katsu. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson Rion Dierking, nephew Doug Cornelius and a multitude of four legged friends. Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday June 24, 2021 at Faith Lutheran church in Forreston, with Pastor Scott Ralston officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church. A private interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Friends Forever Humane Society in her honor.