Donna Mae Swanson

Donna Mae Swanson was born on July 15,1967 in Chicago IL. At age 58, she went home to be with the Lord on October 11, 2025, in Kankakee IL. Donna was a 1985 graduate of Oak Lawn Community High School, and she earned an Associate degree at Moraine Valley Community College. During her career years she held very responsible positions at some well-known entities such as Loyola University, McDonald’s Corporate, Ty Incorporated and the Chicagoland Speedway. Donna was very spontaneous. She enjoyed delving into new hobbies such as painting and wood burning. Over the years, she developed a deep love of the outdoors and nature. She absolutely loved traveling to northern Michigan for camping trips with her boyfriend John McGrath and his energetic dog Tig. The trips they took out West in recent years gave her many, many treasured memories. A self-proclaimed foodie, Donna loved to eat good meals although you couldn’t tell by looking at her petite frame. She enjoyed music (and knew all the lyrics she said) and loved dancing. She made occasional trips to the casinos to play the slots. Donna also loved spending time with family and friends. She was blessed to spend a lot of time with her mother who lived to be 95. They had a special relationship and a close bond. Donna was preceded in death by her parents Marvin R. and Dorothy M. (Nelson) Swanson, her sister Barbara Swanson, all of her aunts and uncles and several cousins. Surviving are her daughter, Alyssa Mae Banach of Bloomington IL and her son, Private Andrew Louis Banach of Braidwood IL. She loved her children beyond words and was extremely proud of them and their accomplishments She is also survived by her boyfriend and the love of her life, John McGrath. He loved and cared for her with kindness and respect for the last five years until her passing. Also surviving are her siblings Nancy (Dave) Bond of Washington IL, Don (Sheila) Swanson of Selmer TN and Jean (Rich) Moran of Tinley Park IL. She will be missed by her Wisconsin siblings Deane Roe, Ken Swanson and Pat (Doug) Nagle. She also leaves behind cousins, nieces and nephews and their children as well. Donna will be missed by special friends Tresa (her Greek sister), Piam, Jackie, Louann, Fran and Courtney and so many more. Donna fought a decade-long and courageous battle for her health. She overcame many obstacles by her sheer will and positive mindset. She was greatly loved by many and will be greatly missed by all. A celebration of life service will be held at a future date, and details will be shared through this obituary and on the Schreffler Funeral Home Facebook page. Cremation rites have been accorded. Arrangements are by Schreffler Funeral Homes, Kankakee. Please sign her guestbook at schrefflerfuneralhomes.com.

Donna Mae Swanson

July 15, 1967 - October 11, 2025

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Donna Mae Swanson

July 15, 1967 - October 11, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Sympathy Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information