Donna Marie Dioneda, 84, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 6:08 a.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at NHC Health Care in St. Charles, Missouri. She was born March 29, 1936 in Danville, Illinois, a daughter of the late Sterling Ford and Ramona Ayers. She had been married to the love of her life and her best friend, Dr. Francisco Basa Dioneda for nearly sixty years before he passed away on October 22, 2015. She graduated from Danville High School as a member of the National Honor Society and went on to earn her nursing degree at DePaul Hospital. As a registered nurse, she helped her husband run his office for years while raising their four children. After her children were raised, she returned to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville where she earned her Master’s Degree. She retired from the Edwardsville School District after many years of dedicated service and creating many friendships. Donna was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Granite City and was devoted to her prayers with her Filipino prayer group. With her late husband, she touched the lives of so many by never being able to say “No” to anyone in need. She loved the outdoors, traveling and her occasional trips to the winery and Innsbrook with the girls. Her favorite holiday was Christmas Eve when she loved hosting her ever expanding family and circle of friends. She will be remembered for the love and special times shared, cherished her grandchildren and always loved the great times she had with her husband. She is survived by four sons and two daughters-in-law, Steve and Annette Dioneda of Webster Groves, Missouri, Kerry Dioneda of Rockford, Illinois, Randy Dioneda of Rockford, Illinois and Greg and Kari Dioneda of Glen Carbon, Illinois; ten grandchildren, Shanna, Alycia, Randy, Nick, Haley, Zachary, Brittney, Justin, Shane and Justine; seven great grandchildren, Laila, Jacob, Vallyn, Ayden, Kylah, Vayda and Ruby; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Roberta and David Hall of St. Peters, Missouri and Kara Ayers of Chicago, Illinois; a brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Rita Ayers of Chicago, Illinois; nieces; nephews; other extended family and friends.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2606 Washington Avenue in Granite City on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father Steve Thompson as celebrant. Private Family burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Society of St. Vincent de Paul- St. Louis https://svdpstlouis.org/donate . Irwin Chapel of Granite City in charge of arrangements. www.irwinchapel.com
