Donna Jean (Norton) Deegan

Donna Deegan 93, of DeKalb died peacefully in her sleep on February 6, 2026, from complications of Ovarian Cancer diagnosed in January of 2019.

She was born on February 24, 1932, in DeKalb, Illinois.  The daughter of Robert and Marie (O'Brien) Norton.  She grew up on her family farm in Malta, IL.  She graduated from Shabbona High School, Class of 1949.

She married James "Jerry" Deegan on May 26, 1951. Donna worked for Northern Illinois Finance Corporation for 15 years before starting a family.

Donna was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb, she was also active in many clubs; Women's Club (DAWC), Catholic Daughters of America, Farm Bureau Primetimers, Kishwaukee Hospital Auxiliary and Red Hats Club. She loved to travel, visiting many different continents over the years.

Donna started each morning reading the DeKalb Daily Chronicle and the Chicago Tribune. She loved animals, both domesticated and wild.  Her love of both dogs and cats was vast. She enjoyed an occasional opossum crossing on her lawn, and daily squirrel feedings.

Donna was a lifelong supporter of Northern Illinois University football and basketball programs. She was a loyal fan of the Chicago Bulls watching them on TV along with various tennis tournaments.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry in October of 1991 and her sister JoAnn.

She is survived by her daughters, Stacey and Amy, her son in law, Tim Warkins, and her "one and only" grandson, James "Jamie" Deegan-Warkins.

Private family services and burial have taken place.  The family will not be establishing a memorial.  If you would like to honor Donna's memory, simply reach out to someone and extend an act of kindness. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.