Donna Jean Livingston's Obituary
Donna Jean Livingston, age 74, of Charleston, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL. She was born on June 19, 1951, in Mattoon to Lawson and Clara (Cox) Livingston.
Donna is survived by her sister, Hilda Fry of Bloomington, IN, and Sister-in-Law Linda Livingston of Terre Haute, IN; her nieces and nephews: Rachel Fry of Sullivan, IL; Elizabeth (Craig) Bodner of Moyock, NC; Mindy Allen of Indianapolis, IN; and Lawson (Andi) Livingston of Bethany, IL. She is also survived by her great-nieces and nephews: Abby and Cameron Bodner of Moyock, NC; Ben and Mari Allen of Indianapolis, IN; Kaden and Fisher Livingston of Paris, IL; Kenzie, Kelsey, and Asher Livingston of Bethany, IL. Additionally, she is survived by her aunt, Ruth McLain of Mattoon, IL. She has too many cousins, whom she dearly loved, to list.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her half sibling, Joyce Ragsdale, her brother, Aaron "Butch" Livingston; and her niece, Caitlen Fry.
Donna graduated from Charleston High School in 1969 and earned her associate degree in nursing from St. John's School of Nursing in Springfield, IL. She spent some years in Wisconsin as a floor nurse in a hospital facility, and a few years at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in the Emergency Room. From there she fulfilled her passion as a registered nurse in the surgical department at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, where she built a fulfilling career and great friendships with her coworkers. She was an exceptional person in this field, as she still cried on the rare occasions when a patient was lost, and also on her attendance at a new birth, never losing the emotions that should come with these major events.
After retiring, Donna continued her service to others by providing transportation for patients to and from medical appointments. She called in advance to help prepare them for procedures and ensured they were comfortable afterward before leaving them home after the procedure.
Also during her retirement Donna explored her creative side, becoming an avid card maker and a passionate Stampin' Up! enthusiast. She also enjoyed cooking, traveling, playing cards, and spending time at family gatherings.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Villas of Holly Brook and Willow Breeze Hospice House for their exceptional care and compassion.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at Ashmore Cemetery in Ashmore, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Willow Breeze Hospice House, 700 W. Lincoln Ave., Suite 100, Charleston, IL 61920
What’s your fondest memory of Donna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donna?
Share a story where Donna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donna you’ll never forget.
How did Donna make you smile?