Born October 31, 1927 in Lincoln to Lester and Ruth (Gallagher) Donnan, she married Michael “Mike” Caringello on August 16, 1947 in Highwood. They celebrated 73 years of Christian marriage before his passing on August 17, 2020. Norma was also preceded in death by her parents and one grandson, Michael Cooper.
Surviving are one daughter, Linda (Dean) Cooper of Pekin; one granddaughter, Shannon Cooper of Normal; one grandson, Adam Cooper of Pekin; one brother, David (Fern) Donnan of Beason and many nieces and nephews.
She graduated from Bloomington High School in 1945 and attended Illinois State “Normal” University, where she met her husband on a blind date in the spring of 1946. She worked as a secretary for State Farm Insurance in Bloomington after college.
Norma moved to Mackinaw in 1949 and then to Pekin in 1959.
Norma was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin for more than 50 years. She served on various committees of the church and was a member and past president of the United Methodist Women. She graciously knitted more than 100 prayer shawls, booties for new babies and along with her daughter, needlepointed the backs for the altar chairs. She also was a member of the Pekin Hospital League and knitted counted cross stitch and needlepoint items for many gift shows, including afghans. Norma was a member of Chapter LM of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and served her chapter in many capacities, including as president.
Norma and her husband were selected as Grand Marshal of the Pekin Marigold Festival in 1988.
She enjoyed knitting, playing bridge and spending time with family and friends.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, August 13, 2021 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. Pastor Eric N. Swanson will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 601 North 4th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
The family would like to thank the staff at Holly Brook, especially Nicole and Connor, as well as Compassus Hospice for their special care offered to Norma.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
