Donna Lou Bradshaw

Born October 19, 1935 in rural Griggsville to Winfred and Alice (Bradshaw) Moore, she married Kenneth Alva Bradshaw on March 20, 1955 in Griggsville. He survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Kevin (Eve) Bradshaw of Chicago and Gregg (Jennifer) Bradshaw of Pekin; four grandchildren, Colin (Kelsey) Bradshaw of Seattle, Washington, Megan Bradshaw of Chicago, Riley Bradshaw and Tanner Bradshaw, both of Pekin; one sister-in-law, Betty Bradshaw of Quincy; one brother-in-law, Mike Bradshaw of Pittsfield; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins

She was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Aidan Bradshaw; and two sisters, Adela Cox and Mary Alice Radford.

A graduate of Western Illinois University, she taught school in Peoria and then for Pekin Public Schools District 108, retiring in 1991.

She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where she served as United Methodist Women president, chairperson on the Education Commission, co-chair on Council of Ministries, director of Archives and History, and established the church library. She also was a member of the Young Adult Methodist Sunday School Class at the church.

She served as President of the Tazewell County Retired Teachers, receiving the Retired Teacher of the Year Award in 1997. A charter member of the Everett McKinley Dirksen Guild, she received the Louella Carver Dirksen Award in 1997.

She was actively involved as a volunteer for Public Television Affiliate WTVP Channel 47 for many years. She served as president of the Pekin Friends of 47 and on the Board of Trustees of WTVP. She and Ken received the WTVP Service Recognition Award in 2000.

She volunteered time at the Pekin Public Library and was a member of the Friends of the Pekin Library. She was a former member of Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher's Sorority and a member of Chapter LM of the P.E.O. Sisterhood in Pekin, where she served as president. Donna wintered in Sanibel, Florida for many years and enjoyed serving at the library there.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. Pastor Mike Crawford, Pastor James C. McClarey and Pastor Curt Keller will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Illinois Youth for Christ, 4100 North Brandywine Drive, Peoria, IL 61614 or to Grace United Methodist Church, 601 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Stephanie (RN) and Angie (CNA) with OSF "in home" Hospice for their professionalism and compassionate care. A special thank you to Maggie Cantor for Donna's companionship over the last two years.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com