Suzann Donovan's Obituary
Decatur-Suzanne C. Donovan 92, of Decatur, passed away 2:53 pm Sunday, November 7, 2010 at Heartland Health Care Center.
A celebration of Suzanne's life will be held at a later date at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 3773 McArthur Rd. in Decatur. As per Suzanne's wishes her body will be donated to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. Memorial donations may be directed to the church, the Southern Poverty Law Center, or the Sierra Club. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting her family with these arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with Suzanne's family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Suzanne was born February 10, 1918 in Quincy, Illinois the daughter of William W. and Florence May (Waggoner) Christ. She graduated in 1946 from Culver Stockton College at Canton, Missouri with a B.A. degree in education and minor in library science. Suzanne later attended the University of Illinois at Urbana, Illinois working towards a degree in Library Science, specializing in teaching gifted students in reading and library skills. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, international honorary teacher's society. Suzanne was a fifth grade teacher at Mound Elementary School and Oak Grove School in Decatur from 1955 ' 1963. She then was employed as a librarian-teacher for Decatur Public Schools District #61 and was responsible for setting up and administering libraries at Dennis, Oak Grove and Enterprise Schools. She was employed as a substitute librarian for Stevenson School until her retirement from Decatur Public Schools in 1983. After retirement she served as a volunteer librarian at Rock Springs Center in Decatur. Suzanne was also very involved in volunteer work throughout the Decatur area including the administration of the library and librarian at the Planned Parenthood Office; Decatur Area Arts Council serving on board of directors, executive board, vice president of arts in education; book cart librarian at Decatur Memorial Hospital; board of directors for Youth Advocate for 3 years; active member of Theater 7 for 15 years; member of Friends of the Library; member of Millikin Homestead; and also member of Macon County Historical Museum.
Left to cherish her memories are her step-son Danny Donovan-Wilhelmi of Rosedale, IN; her daughter Jade (husband Gregory) Dell of Chicago; her grandson Jason (wife Tonya) Delborne and great-grand daughters Olivia and Ramona.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
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