Ann Dondanville

Ann Dondanville: wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, died peacefully on Saturday evening, July 5, 2025, in the company of family members and under the kind, gentle care of hospice. Ann lived in her own home in Springfield until 2 weeks before her death, with the aid of wonderful caregivers from Home Instead, Springfield, and additional help from her many good friends and neighbors.

Ann was born to Omer and Freda (Duncan) Mosey of Freedom Township, IL on November 11, 1932. She grew up on the family farm. She had two older brothers, Bill (Lois) and John (Wyetta) Mosey. Ann married Leo J. (Lee) Dondanville Jr., her Serena High School sweetheart, in 1952 at St. John the Baptist Church in Somonauk, IL. Her parents, her brothers, and their wives preceded her in death.

Lee, Ann’s husband of 69 years, died in 2021. They loved each other truly, through good times and bad, in sickness and in health. They also had lots of fun together, were close to their siblings, and made great friends over many years. Ann kept in touch with family and friends near and far. Lee and Ann’s marriage, their close ties to family and friends, and Ann’s determination to continue to live her life with joy, even after loss, have been an inspiration to her family.

Ann and Lee were both, sadly, preceded in death by two sons, John (Janet Frank) Dondanville in 2016, and Dan (Anne Hesslau) Dondanville in 2020. Ann’s survivors include their wives, her daughters-in-law Janet and Anne, as well as 3 surviving children and their spouses; Mary (Tom) Rooney of Ottawa, IL, Patty (Jim) Berman of Wilmette, IL, and Joe (Kelly Burns) Dondanville, also of Wilmette, IL.

Ann is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, the joys of her later life. Grandchildren are Kevin (Sarah) Rooney, Dan (Erica) Rooney, Katie Rooney, Tom (Christine) Rooney, Emily (Peter Yuskauskas) Berman, Ted (Mikaela) Berman, Chris Dondanville, Matt (Bri) Dondanville, Peter Dondanville, Brian Dondanville, Tim (Sara) Dondanville, Patrick (Ashley Ann) Dondanville, Roger (Sara) Dondanville, Allie Dondanville, Josie Dondanville, and Noelle Dondanville. Great-grands are Claire, John, Finn, James, and George Rooney, Henry, William, and Emma Dondanville, Griffin, Wyatt, and Hudson Dondanville, Leo and Jack Dondanville.

Ann in one word was FUN. Her very favorite thing was being a Mom, Grandma, and GiGi. She loved to play bridge, to play the piano, and to read. Earlier in her life, she loved to travel, to water-ski, and to drive her convertible(s). She was an avid Cardinals fan, and always cheered for Notre Dame, having married Lee, Class of 1952. She was proud that all 5 of her children and several grandchildren also graduated from Notre Dame. She was especially proud that all of her grandchildren are college graduates. Ann herself went back to school when her youngest son started college, and received her RN at Lincoln Land Community College, which she put to good use as a labor and delivery coach and house nurse for St. Monica’s Maternity Home.

A generous volunteer for many organizations in Springfield, Ann received the 1997 Copley Good Citizen Award for “a lifetime of service”. She enjoyed being around others, and welcomed her friends, family and her children’s friends to her home, providing food and hospitality for the multitudes, and making it seem like no big deal. May we all live and enjoy life as Ann did. A faithful convert to Catholicism at the time of her marriage to Lee, Ann believed that she would see her family and friends in heaven, a belief that comforts those of us who remain.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, until the time of mass at 11:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, IL 62704, with Fr. Mark Tracy officiating.

A private burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to The Ann L. Dondanville nursing scholarship at Lincoln Land Community College Foundation, or The Dondanville Family scholarship at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School.

The family was served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62703.