Donna Antoinette Schaefer

Donna Schaefer passed away suddenly on March 24, 2024 after a long and difficult hospitalization. She is survived by her husband, Gary C. Schaefer, their son Jordan, their daughter Hannah and their son Zach and his wife Holly as well as their exchange student Lu Qing Lu. She also is survived by her brother Nick (Rita) Verlotta, her sister Mary Jo (Mark) Borgognone, her brother Douglas Verlotta and her sister-in-laws, Sharon (Patrick) Hiller, and Karen (Verlotta) Zinga. She was preceded in death by her parents Dominic and Geraldine and her younger brother John.

Donna was born in Chicago and grew up in Riverside, Illinois. She married Gary on September 9, 1978 at St. Mary’s Church in Riverside. They made their home in McHenry, Illinois and lately spent significant time in Bradenton Florida where she passed away.

Donna pursued a life of service. It was the guiding principle of her life. In 1988 she was the first woman elected to the McHenry County Board from her district. She served as a county board member for 10 years. She then served as McHenry Township Supervisor from 1998 through 2014. She served on the McHenry Township Fire Protection District as a trustee and was currently on the District’s Board of Fire Commissioners. She initiated the Senior Bus service and oversaw construction on the long overdue Township building. Donna worked closely with both Senior Services and the General Assistance Program during her tenure as Supervisor. She named Woman of the Year by the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce.

She also served on the board of YMCA Camp Duncan. She was very active with the McHenry Rotary including serving as its president. She was instrumental in planning Rotary’s Blues, Brews and Barbecue annual event. Donna was a supporter of Orchard Village where her brother Douglas, who has Down’s Syndrome, resides.

Donna loved gardening, reading and travel. She served on the board of her local Homeowner’s Association and on the Master Association Landscape Committee. She was an ardent supporter of pet rescue, particularly Patty’s Paws in Fort Atkinson, WI and Lola’s Lucky Day. She convinced Gary to adopt their current rescue dogs, Tucker and Ollie, from Patty’s Paws.

Donna was a loving mother and wife. She was a leader and an advocate for the disadvantaged. Her mission in government was to help people in need and to be an advocate for fairness.

Her family deeply mourns her untimely passing. Her friends will greatly miss her. The entire community has lost a leader and a great public servant.

The family suggests that donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to Orchard Village, Lola’s Lucky Day and Patty’s Paws.

A memorial gathering will be held at Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center at 4310 Solutions Lane, Bradenton FL on April 2 from 4-6 pm. Another memorial service will be held in Illinois later this month when arrangements are finalized.